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Erosion Triangular Facets as Markers of Order in an Open Dissipative System

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Abstract

The complexity and non-linearity of the morphogenetic system which is responsible for shaping the Earth’s surface have been widely recognised by many authors who have documented the fractal nature of erosion. In this paper, two peculiar kinds of landforms are compared to point out ordered structures, i.e. triangular facets that arise in different geomorphic systems, due to the principle of morphologic convergence. Occurrence of triangular facets has been documented in mountainous areas in relation to base level changes and hydrographical network evolution; similarly shaped landforms are present even in recent tectonic uplift areas along faults. The spatial distribution of the two kinds of facets has been investigated in two river basins located in Liguria (northern Italy) and in a mountainous area in Oman. The results of this analysis document the different spatial features of the two kinds of facets.

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  1. Professional Geomorphologist, via Livorno 1/15, 16146, Genova, Italy

    Guido Paliaga

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  1. Guido Paliaga
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Correspondence to Guido Paliaga.

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Paliaga, G. Erosion Triangular Facets as Markers of Order in an Open Dissipative System. Pure Appl. Geophys. 172, 1985–1997 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00024-014-0937-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00024-014-0937-1

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