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Regeneration of Desert Pavement and Varnish

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Environmental Effects of Off-Road Vehicles

Part of the book series: Springer Series on Environmental Management ((SSEM))

Abstract

Desert pavements are stone-covered geomorphic surfaces characteristic of flat or gently sloping alluvial terrain in arid areas. Typically the stones are one layer thick and may be angular or rounded, closely or loosely packed, and are set in or on a matrix of fine-grained material. On many desert pavements the stones are covered with a dark patina known as desert varnish, whereas the stones beneath the surface generally lack desert varnish. Desert pavement surfaces are typically quite smooth and planar, with scattered incised drainage channels. Sparse perennial vegetation is generally present only along these drainages; the majority of the pavement is commonly devoid of significant vegetation. Known as gibbers, hammadas, regs, or sai in various arid regions around the world, desert pavements are especially prevalent on alluvial fans, bajadas, and terraces composed of sediments derived from metamorphic and volcanic rocks.

The views and conclusions contained in this chapter are based on the authors’ studies or experiences and do not necessarily represent the official viewpoint of any U.S. government agency.

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Authors
  1. Christopher D. Elvidge
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  2. Richard M. Iverson
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geosciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA

    Robert H. Webb

  2. U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California, 94025, USA

    Howard G. Wilshire

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Elvidge, C.D., Iverson, R.M. (1983). Regeneration of Desert Pavement and Varnish. In: Webb, R.H., Wilshire, H.G. (eds) Environmental Effects of Off-Road Vehicles. Springer Series on Environmental Management. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-5454-6_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-5454-6_11

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-5456-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4612-5454-6

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