LIBRARY OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
910.72
lUloo
^'-fs^-;^^^-^;;^-
lYini nT
wmmmmm
The person charging this material is re-
sponsible for its return to the library from
which it was withdrawn on or before the
Latest Date stamped below. -^^'5 --^i-^OO
Theft, mutilation, and underlining of books
are reasons for disciplinary action and may
result in dismissal from the University.
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
D€C "-^WS
4^^£La4Jg
AUG 2 7 |S80
StPllZ i960
NOV 0 8 1189
NHV 0 R I9J9
APR 2
MAY 0 9
7^
'S<B*
ym
L161 — O-1096
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2011 with funding from
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
http://www.archive.org/details/theoreticalframe01numnn
OCCASIONAL PUBLICATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY
A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK FOR DISCUSSION
OF CLIMATOLOGICAL GEOMORPHOLOGY
by
DAG NllMMEDAL
23.2 71 1002 87
39.4
.29 996 9.2
51.3
.31 1294 3.1
•
• • •
•
• • •
28.6 .66 764 2.0
-zr^
1.00 .98 .41 .89
1.00 .63.76
1.00.64
1.00
^-a V
^^
•^
o
<9.
^
^
>
APRIL 1972
PAPER NUMBER 1
l'\n. IKKDKKIC nnd JIDII H I' \HMIl KST. .diiois
GEOGRAPHY GRADUATE STUDENT ASSOCIATION
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS at URBANA - CHAMPAIGN
1 0-7^ f], ^
vl«^
A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK FOR DISCUSSION
OF CLIMATOLOGICAL GEOMORPHOLOGY
Dag Nummedal
ABSTRACT
The paper outlines a theoretical structure for the synthesis of
experimental data on weathering processes into a predictive model for
rates of denudation in nature. Following a general discussion on graph-
ical representation of multivariate functions, the relative rates of
chemical weathering for any temperature — runoff combination are deduced,
A field of i so- weathering lines permits analysis of the sensitivity of
weathering rates to variations in climatic parameters.
The methodology developed is applied to the process of limestone
dissolution. Predicted rates of weathering, based on laboratory deter-
mined values of calcite solubility, show the same trend in runoff —
temperature dependency as do measurements in nature. More accurate
field data are needed to improve our understanding of regional varia-
tion in weathering rates.
INTRODUCTION
Two basic ideas underlie' the study of climatic geomorphology. One
is that different climates, by affecting processes, develop unique assem-
blages of landforms. Systematic climatic geomorphology is the analysis
of these processes and forms plus their relationship to climate, and has
the aim of defining morphogenetic regions on a world-wide basis. The
other postulates that climatically controlled landform features have been
continuously superimposed on each other due to the rapid climatic fluctu-
ations throughout late Cenozoic time (Biidel, 1963)" Although evidence
supporting these ideas is generally lacking, general agreement about their
validity appears to be widespread (stoddart, 1968) o
Despite explicit recognition of the direct cause and effect rela-
tionship between climate and geomorphic processes, climatic geomorphology
still lacks the conceptual — methodological framework necessary to build
precise process — response models which can be subjected to field or
laboratory testing. Consequently, climatic geomorphologists, rather than
attacking the problem from the process viewpoint, correlate the world-wide
distribution of some vaguely defined "characteristic" landforms with chosen
climatic parameters thought to be significant in the sculpturing of the
Earth's surface.
Although the effect of climate on landforms was clearly recognized
by W. M. Davis and A. Penck (see Stoddart, 1968) around the turn of the
century, systematic study of correlations between climate and landforms
is a modern development. In 1948 the leading German climatic geomorphol-
ogist, Julius Biidel, established eight "Pormkreisen", _i.e., zones of
broad landform homogeneity. The extent and boundaries of these zones
were thought to be related to climate in general terms (Biidel, 1948),
Partly because of the mixture of climatic and morphologic criteria
applied in defining the zones of his 1948 classification, Biidel later
revised his scheme by reducing the number of zones to five, in each case
using morphologic criteria for their definition (Biidel, 1963).
Although this approach may ultimately yield a mappable classifi-
cation useful in recognition of "fossil" landforms representing earlier
climatic episodes, little, if anything, is gained in understanding the
inherent cause and effect relationship. A potentially more fruitful
approach was taken by Louis Peltier who based his nine "Morphogenetic
Regions" on assumed uniform intensity and relative significance of the
dominant geomorphic processes within well-defined climatic zones (Peltier,
1950). Peltier considered mean annual rainfall and temperature as being
the most significant climatic parameters and examined the hypothetical
effects of each on dominant weathering and erosion processes.
Peltier's inductive approach, adapted by Leopold et al. , is a first
step towards a process — response model for landform development (Leopold
et al. , 1964)* However, serious criticism can be raised. For one thing,
the analysis of the effects of rainfall and temperature on geomorphic
processes does not rest on precise quantitative work but rather on general
impressions. Secondly, the climatic parameters chosen are not necessarily
those of the greatest geomorphic significance.
Peltier himself partly answered the first criticism by undertaking
a unique quantitative study of such parameters as mean relief, mean valley
slope and drainage density for selected climatic zones (Peltier, 1962).
Although objective, a morpheme trie analysis yields little insight into the
operating processes; therefore, Peltier's approach is merely a quantita-
tive version of Biidel.
AN OBJECTIVE, SYNTHETIC APPROACH TO CLIMATIC GEOMORPHOLOGY
Considerable effort has been devoted to climatic geomorphology dur-
ing the last 25 years (for reviews see: Wilson, 1968; Stoddart, 1968;
Oilier, 1969). In light of the previous discussion, however, one must
agree with Wilson that morphogenetic analysis is still a subjective tech-
nique by which correlation is made between climate and landforms (Wilson,
1968). One reason for slow progress in understanding may be that a com-
plete analysis of climatic geomorphology, as hitherto conducted, consists
of the examination of a vast array of interrelated problems, such as the
recognition of regions; the interrelationship of climate, process, and
landform; the existence of climatic-morphologic cycles; climatic change
and superimposed features in multigenetic landscapes.
In order to achieve an objective assessment of the importance and
nature of the climatic impact on landform development, this problem- complex
must be broken down sufficiently to allow a precise analysis of cause and
effect in a single chain of events. In a morpho-climatic synthesis, the
climatic parameters are the independent variables whose effect on long-run
equilibrium landforms are to be evaluated. The obvious first step, there-
fore, is to determine, as precisely as present understanding of weathering
and erosion permits, the rates of denudational processes as functions of
climatic variables. Secondly, taking into account bedrock lithology and
structure, different rates of denudation and consequent erosional landforms
can be evaluated for any combination of relevant climatic variables. In
the third stage, after having determined equilibrium landforms, the effects
of tectonism and late Cenozoic climatic fluctuations must be analyzed
before a correlation between theoretically deduced and real world land-
forms can be made.
Obviously, considerable work is needed at each step before an inte-
grated body of knowledge on climatic geomorphology is built. The present
paper outlines a methodological framework for step one. A theoretical
structure is developed permitting a synthesis of climatic data and experi-
mental knowledge on specific weathering processes into a predictive model
for rates of denudation in nature as functions of x number of climatic
variables. The general discussion concerns chemical weathering; due to
scarcity of data, however, the specific process of limestone dissolution
was chosen for a numerical testing of predicted versus observed rates of
denudation.
DEFINITIONS MD ASSUMPTIONS
Weathering; The process of rock alteration due to instability of
minerals exposed to the atmoorNho^^e.
Rate of weathering: M, the amount of mass per unit area per unit
time which changes its structure from one defined state to
another.
Erosion; The net removal of material from an area.
Rate of erosion; A, amount of mass removed per unit area per unit
time.
This analysis is restricted to processes in short run dynamic equi-
librium, _i._e , , processes of such type and scale that (l) the rate of energy
outflow from the system is equal to the rate of energy input; and (2) while
climate remains unchanged the proportion of the total energy shared by the
various weathering and erosion processes remains constant.
THE THEORETICAL STRUCTURE
G-eneral
The following variables are used; while P traditionally represents
precipitation, in this paper P will stand for runoff unless otherwise
specified; T is temperature and W represents wind. These are directly
and/or indirectly active agents of denudation. In each analysis a combi-
nation of these, or related variables such as intensity of precipitation,
heat fluctuations, etc., must be applied. The effects of man, animals,
vegetative cover and soil organisms are to some extent related to climate,
hence an indirect climatic impact on landforming processes. An explicit
functional relationship between the rate of denudation and these factors
is presently impossible to construct and they are combined into one var-
iable, R. Gravity, although the prime agent of erosion, is completely
independent of climatic factors and has no place in a study of climatic
geomorphology. Obviously, weathering and erosion are interdependent,
therefore, the rate of one process must be included in the expression for
the other. The following functional equations can be derived:
M = f (P, T, W, R, a) (i)
A = g (P, T, W, R, m) (ii)
Time is included as an implicit variable in both functions. In morpho-
climatic regionalization annual means (for the variables P through a) are
most conveniently used; effects of climatic change through time can be
analyzed if the explicit time-dependency of the variables can be derived.
Annual fluctuations in rates of denudation at a given locality are ana-
lyzed by applying monthly mean values for the variables.
The rate of weathering or erosion may be graphically represented
by a five dimensional surface. P, T, W and R are climatically inter-
related; when their effects on geomorphic processes are considered, how-
ever, they are independent as a first approximation. To depict this sur-
face, two arbitrary variables, X.. and X , are considered (Pig. l) . The
relationship between M and any one of the variables is obtained by pro-
jecting from the surface into the corresponding plane. For a constant
value of X (notation X ) , M as a function of X-, is:
M = f (X-, , X ), with X^ . . . X assumed constant.
In Pig. 1 this curve on the M surface is labeled P - P', its projection
in the MX plane is p - p'. M^ = f (O, X ) where M > 0 (in Pig. 1
Mq = 0).
Isolines are defined as the locus of points in variable space which
correspond to a constant value of the dependent variable in observation
space. Mathematically, isolines in five dimensional space are given by
any combination of X, . . . X^- which makes f (X, . . . X^) a constant.
1 p 1 5
In the three dimensional case depicted in Pig. 1 isolines will
appear as the projection in XX plane (d - d') of the curve cut by the
intersection of the M surface and a plane parallel to the X-, X plane at
a given height (D - D')» This plane represents constant value of M.
Along an isoline the total differential of the f- function is zero.
Still considering X and X as the only variables the following relation
for the isoline is derived:
Fig.l. Weathering rate , M, as function of two variables, X] and X2- For a constant
value of X2 (X2), M as a function of X] is given by the line P - P, which is projected
into the MX"! plane as p — p . D — D is the trace of the intersection between the
M surface and a plane representing a given constant rate of weathering. The projection
of D - D into the X-|X2 plane gives the i so-weathering line d - d .
7
Hence, (ill)
dx, _ ax^
d)(7 " "af~"
ax,
dX-, / dX gives the slope of an isoline in the X-. X diagram. These
curves are convex to the ori,
an increase in f , i.e. when:
curves are convex to the origin when an increase in variable X. implies
aXj
^' > 0 (i = 1, 2)
Equation III demonstrates the magnitude of change in variable X-,
needed to compensate for a given change in X in order to keep weathering
(or erosion) at a constant level of intensity. Rather than operating
with traditional morphogenetic regions, the concepts of "iso-weathering
lines" and "iso-erosion lines", lines in X^X space along which weather-
ing and erosion have constant intensity are introduced. The exact shape
of the lines is determined by equation III. These isolines are spatial
and can be mapped. They indicate for example the increase in temperature
that compensates for a given decrease in precipitation to retain a con-
stant weathering rate.
Chemical Weathering
All further discussion is restricted to chemical weathering, where
total annual runoff, P, and mean annual water temperature, T (averaged
over the time when T > 0 C), are considered the only significant var-
iables.
Rates of chemical weathering, as conceived by Peltier (l950),
Leopold et al. (l964) and Wilson (l968) are shown in Pig. 2, a,b,c. They
indicate an increase in the rate of chemical weathering from dry-cool to
humid-warm climates. However, the boundary lines between the various
zones are rather arbitrarily drawn and no quantitative assessment of rates
of weathering can be made.
Pelt
ler
Leopold, Wolman and Miller
30
—
T I /« I « I i 1 • 1 •
' \ STRONG
\ /
/
' MODERATE ^^/
\ y
20
"
—
N. /
—
10
V> /
WEAK /
n
1 I _.X .Zl 1 1 1 1 1 L.
30
20
10
T 1 r-
' I ' ' • ' I
HIGHEST
INTERMEDIATE
LOWEST
J i I L.
100
200
200
u
o
LU
I-
<
LU
<
Z
<
30
20
10
M '
\
\
\
\
\
^ \
J L— .1 1
Wilson
ANNUAL PRECIPITATION ( CM
Fig. 2. Relative rates of chemical weathering as function of mean annual temperature
and precipitation. Modified after Peltier (1950), Leopold at. al. (1964) and Wi Ison (1968).
Based upon principles in the last paragraph a field of iso-
weathering lines for chemical weathering can be generated (Pig. 3>
a and b) . For processes of chemical weathering, except limestone solu-
tion, the rate of weathering increases with temperature. For many proc-
esses the increase is approximately exponential (oilier, 1969). However,
to simplify analysis a monotonically increasing function, M a h (t),
( oc means proportional to) is asi^^nTned. Clccaj.y, rate of weathering
increases v\^ith runoff. However, the increase is less than linear because
higher runoff reduces the probability that the chemical solutions will
reach equilibrium. Hence, M is proportional to some increasing function
of P, M a k (p).
The rate of chemical weathering can be written:
Ma h (t) . k (p) (IV)
Based on these assumptions, the weathering rate surface takes the
shape shown in Pig. '^a. M is zero when P is zero because no water is
available to transport the solution products. M must also be zero when
T ^ 0 C because water is frozen. Depending on the process, however,
the increase in M as soon as temperature rises above freezing may be slow
or rapid. The iso-weathering lines are always convex to the origin and
asymptotic to the P or T axis. When h (t) and k (p) are explicitly
defined, equation III determines the exact slope of the lines at any point.
Pig. 3t> illustrates iso-weathering lines corresponding to five
equidistant weathering intensities (M-, . . . M,;^) in Pig. 3a. Based on
this iso-line chart the following general conclusions about chemical
weathering can be derived: (l) for low temperature environments (tundra
and cold continental climates) no appreciable chemical weathering occurs
regardless of runoff; (2) for high temperatures and low runoff (hot
deserts) a small increment in precipitation causes a relatively large
increase in weathering rate (because iso-lines are densely spaced par-
allel to the P axis); (3) for humid hot climates (tropical rainforest)
increased runoff causes a relatively small increase in weathering rates,
whereas a minor temperature rise causes a large increase in weathering
rate. Thus in hot deserts local variations in rates of chemical weather-
ing are determined primarily by variations in runoff, whereas in hot
humid climates temperature variations have the most significant effects
10
Fig. 3a. Rate of chemical weathering as function of runoff (P) and temperature (T).
Mo M^ Mc
Fig. 3b. Iso-weathering lines M-] . . . M5 in the PT plane correspond to weathering
intensities M^ . . . M5 in fig. 3a. Superposed on the isoline chart are Peltier's (1950)
three zones of chemical weathering.
11
on the weathering rate.
Peltier's three zones of chemical weathering can be superposed on
the isoline chart (Pig. 3t)). P in Peltier's diagram refers to precipi-
tation, while here it indicates runoff. This partly explains why the
boundaries between Peltier's zones at low temperatures follow the same
trend as the isoline s, while at higher temperatures where runoff consti-
tutes a smaller percentage of the precipitation they cut across the iso-
weathering lines.
When the exact h (t) and k (p) functions are known, numerical
values for the weathering rate for any P - T combination can be derived.
Of course the graphs do not reveal any more information than can be
deduced directly from the functions but they do make visualization easier.
Furthermore, when analysis of a complex group of processes is undertaken
and only the general shape of the partial functions is known, a graphical
representation permits an assessment of the relative importance of changes
in the independent variables.
I so- weathering lines in a precipitation - temperature diagram
(thermohyet diagram) are well suited to the study of local annual varia-
tions in weathering rates. Thermohyet diagrams form more or less regular
closed loops with characteristic shape and orientation for each climatic
regime (Strahler, 1969). The orientation of the diagrams relative to the
field of is o- weathering lines determines the annual variation in weather-
ing intensities.
Pig. 4 shows a hypothetical is o- weathering chart, modelled after
the one previously derived for chemical weathering. Mean monthly precipi-
tation, P', (runoff data are not available) and temperature, T, are the
axis variables; weathering rates I-, . . . I^ are numbered in order of
increasing intensity. Superposed on the weathering chart are thermohyet
diagrams representative of four different climatic regimeso
Iquitos, Peru, represents equable tropical rainforest climate and
consequently a moderate range of variation in weathering rate. The unique
combination of cool - wet winters and warm - dry summers characteristic
of a Mediterranean regime (Santiago, Chile) results in a thermohyet dia-
gram whose long axis is subparallel to the iso- weathering lines, _i«_e»
the rate of chemical weathering is practically constant throughout the
year. Maximum annual fluctuation in rate of chemical weathering is found
12
MEAN ANNUAL TEMPERATURE ( °C )
I
o
o
CO
o
o
CO
^
3-
-n
Q
(D
><
<
Q
■D
«n
Q
O
3
?■
i^
3
(D
U"
Q
(D
n
3
n
H
u-
—
Q
CD
3
Q
n
-1
3
u-
o
fD
.
Q
zr
^
•<
A
->■
(D
"D
o
"*■
Q
-f-.
Q_
-^
ro
—
Q
(/>
Q
D
Q^
A
o
CO
^\
—
Q
c3"
13
CD
3
I/)
Q
_f.
CD
N
o
■D
; —
H
n
CD
o
rr
in
2:
CD
CD
3
CD
13
Q_
Q
n
D
— !•
Q
CD
(B
-i
— T
Q
-^~\
Q
3
3
-»-»
(D
O
c
fD
o
O
Q
n
(D
in
3-
(D
n
i'
i'
n
CD
Q
n
Q
i
Jo
o
3
r^
CD
CO
CO
CD
i'
Q
,
Q
CD
3
-Q
l/l
(/)
— ♦-
C
—
3
Q
Q
-+•
CQ
IQ
o
CD
O
en
-^
Q
in
^^
c
n
(D
CD
CD
—
C
O
"D
9
O
in
CD
Q_
O
3
c:
>
"D
m
n
o
n
c>o
13
in climatic regimes with warm - wet siimmers and cool - dry winters.
Examples are Parana, Brazil, representing tropical savanna climate, and
Omaha, Nebraska, representing continental climate.
CHEMICAL WEATHERING OP LIMESTONE: A CASE STUDY
Extensive studies have been made of limestone regions and the impor-
tance of solution weathering. Thus the role of climate in denudation is
well documented (Sweeting, 1965, 1966). Denudation of limestone has been
chosen to illustrate the applicability of the previously developed theory
for the following reasons: (l) weathering rates are very high. In areas
such as the Alaskan panhandle and western Noiway, where limestone weather-
ing is most efficient, estimated denudation rates range from 5 to 8 meters
per thousand years (Corbel, 1959); (2) the relatively homogeneous chemical
composition of the rock simplifies analysis; (3) laboratory experiments
and widespread field measurements provide adequate data supply. However,
limestone weathering does have the opposite temperature dependency to the
one assumed in the general discussion of chemical weathering.
The following chemical reactions are involved in the solution of
limestone:
(V)
(hco^)~ (vi)
Ca"^"*" + 2 (HCO^)" (VII)
CaCO is soluble in pure water but concentration of calcium and
bicarbonate ions is very low. Pirst when a weak carbonic acid is formed
by the reaction of atmospheric CO^ with water (eq. v) , limestone solu-
tion proceeds at high rate. The equilibrium amount of CO in water
increases with increased partial pressure of CO^ in the air and decreases
with increasing temperature of the water (Miller, 1952). The solubility
of CaCO , therefore, shows parallel behavior.
3
Although Miller's analysis of the relationship between temperature
and solubility of calcium carbonate is fundamental to the study of lime-
stone weathering, the laboratory results are not directly applicable to
H^O + 00^
"
HjCOj
H2CO3
^
H-^ +
CaCO + h"^ +
(HCOj)"
-•:^
14
the natural process. The following complications affect limestone weather-
ing. The amount of CO in water is influenced: (l) by the speed and size
of falling raindrops; (2) by the amount of decaying organic matter in the
soils; (3) by the action of soil bacteria and photosynthesis of green
plants. The permeability of the rock and the presence of minerals other
than calcite in the limestone affect solubility. Some of these factors
I ,1
have been analyzed and concentration of Ca ions is known for various
kinds of equilibria (Garrels and Christ, 1965). A limitation to the
applicability of these results, however, is that many limestone dissolving
processes in nature never attain equilibrium.
The methodology developed earlier in the paper is applicable to a
study of the regional variation in the rate of limestone weathering. Mean
annual water temperature and runoff are considered to be the only signif-
icant variables. Predicted rate of solution is based on laboratory deter-
mined parameters.
The Model
Using Miller's (l952) experimental results on the change in solu-
bility of CaCO with temperature of water, while assuming a constant CO
3 2
pressure equal to the average partial pressure of CO in the atmosphere
(P = 3«5*10 mb), the weathering rate can be expressed as:
C0_
M = P (a - b T) (VIII)
where P is runoff, T is temperature, and a and b are coefficients. The
relationship between solubility and temperature is not exactly linear,
but within the limited temperature range affecting processes in nature,
the linear function is a good approximation. The direct proportionality
between M and P assumes that runoff is always saturated with calcium and
bicarbonate ions before it is drained off the limestone area. The valid-
ity of this assumption is questionable for high runoff and bedrock of low
permeability. However, the agreement with observed data is reasonably
good. Functions with a rate of increase significantly less than linear
(square root and logarithmic) were tried and found to give values for M
which are far too low. With the following dimensions:
15
M = tons/km /year; P = mm/year; T = C
the coefficients have the following values:
2
a = 0.58 tons/km /mm
b = 0.011 tons/km /iiim/°C
Equation (VIIl) yields the following expression for the iso-weathering
lines in the P - T plane:
M.
P = V^iT- (IX)
a - b T
where M. designates any constant weathering rate. M is a linear function
of T for constant P with slope -Pb, _i._e. the slope increases with
higher runoff. M is zero when T equals a/b. (a/b = 53 C, expressed
as T in Pig. 5j. For constant temperature, M is a linear function of P
with slope a - bT. The rate of weathering surface (Pig. 5) is convex
with its "ridge" along the diagonal from the upper left to the lower
right. Iso-weathering lines, therefore, will be curved from upper right
to lower left in the P - T diagram shown in Pig. 6. The isolines never
cross, nor do they intersect the P =s o and T = 53 C lines.
Pig. 6 illustrates the predicted weathering rates (tons/km /year)
for any P - T combination. The diagram indicates that within the realm
of naturally occurring climates, the rate of limestone weathering varies
2
between zero and 800 tons/km /year.
An interesting feature of this diagram is the trend of the gradi-
ent of the isoline field. Rate of weathering increases from dry - warm
to cool - moist climates in contrast to the general pattern of chemical
weathering derived previously. However, similar to other processes of
chemical weathering, limestone dissolution is most sensitive to temper-
ature variations in hot - wet climates and precipitation variations in
cool - dry climates.
Observations
Corbel (l959) has gathered data on the rate of denudation of cal-
careous terrain in various climatic zones from tundra to humid tropical..
Rates were calculated from measured concentration of calciiim and
16
M = P ( a-bT )
M = P ( a - bT )
Fig. 5. Graphic representation of the surface generated by the equation
M = P ( a - bT ). See text.
u
400
300
RATE OF WEATHERING
tons/km2/year
10
20
30
TEMPERATURE ( °C )
40
50
Fig. 6. Rate of weathering of limestone as function of mean annual temperature
and runoff. Numerical values based on laboratory determined solubility of CaCOo-
""""■■""" indicates upper boundary of naturally existing climates.
18
bicarbonate in the runoff water. However, only in a few cases was the
amoiint of actual runoff measured, and in no case was the average temper-
ature of the runoff water given.
2
In tundra climates rates varying from 35 tons/km /year to
2
110 tons/km /year are found. Maximum intensity seems to be in cool
2
humid west coast climates with rates varying from 3OOO tons/km /year
2
in British Columibia and southern Alaska, 1000 tons/tan /year in western
2
Norway to 3O8 tons/km /year in the Ben Nevis area of Scotland. In frost
free areas such as coastal Ireland, the rate decreases to approximately
2
100 tons/km /year.
Little limestone weathering occurs in warm dry climates as illus-
trated by the Los Alamos area of New Mexico where the rate is estimated
2
to be 1.0 ton/km /year. Southern Florida with a humid subtropical cli-
2
mate, has a denudation rate of about I3 tons/km /year while at Key West
the rate is close to zero. The tropical rainforest climate at San Andres
2
island off Colombia gives a rate of about 25 tons/km /year.
The data listed here suggest that trends derived from our model
are actually found in nature. The predicted rates, however, have a nar-
rower range than those actually measured. With more precise climatic
data on rainfall, runoff and water temperature together with parameters
expressing vegetation, basin topography and lithology, considerable
improvement in the model is expected.
CONCLUSION
The methodological framework developed in this paper serves two
major purposes: (l) when the functional relationship between rate of
weathering and each separate variable can be deduced from physical and/or
chemical considerations, then a mathematical or graphical analysis of the
total function permits the derivation of relative intensities of weather-
ing for any two specified climatic environments. Furthermore, the rela-
tive sensitivity of the weathering rate to changes in any variable can be
deduced from the trend and spacing of the isolines; (2) where experi-
mental data on an idealized weathering process are available, the method-
ology provides a basis for analyzing the goodness of fit between pre-
dicted and observed rates. Also, it clearly points out the type of
19
data needed in order to increase basic understanding of the climatic
effects on rates of denudation.
20
REFERENCES
Biidel, J., 1948. Die klima - morphologischen Zonen der Polarlander,
Erdkimde, vol. 2, p. 22-53.
, 1963 • Klima - genetische Geomorphologie, Geographische
Rundschau, vol. 15, p. 269-285.
Corbel, J., 1959. Erosion en terrain calcaire. (Vitesse d' erosion et
morphologie) , Annales de geographie, vol. 68, p. 97-120.
Garrels, R.M. and Christ, C.L., 1965. Solutions, minerals and equilibria.
New York: Harper and Row. p. 74-91.
Leopold, L.B., Wolman, M.G. and Miller, J. P., 1964. Fluvial Processes in
Ge omor pholo gy . San Francisco: Freeman and Co. p. 40-46.
Miller, J. P., 1952. A portion of the system calcium carbonate, carbon
dioxide, water, American Journal Science, vol. 250, p. 161-203.
Oilier, C, 1969. Weathering. New York: American Elsevier.
Peltier, L. , 1950. The geographic cycle in periglacial regions as it is
related to climatic ge omor pho logy, Annals, Association of American
Geographers, vol. 40, p. 214-236.
, 1962. Area sampling for terrain analysis, Professional Geog-
rapher, vol. 14, p. 24-28.
Stoddart, D.R., 1968. Climatic geomorphology: Review and re-assessment.
Progress in Geography (Vol. l) . London: Edward Arnold, p. 160-222.
Strahler, A.N. , 1969. Physical Geography. New York: John Wiley and Sons,
p. 230-235.
Sweeting, M.M. , 1965. Denudation in limestone regions: A symposium.
Introduction, Geographical Journal, vol. I3lj p. 34-56.
, 1966. The weathering of limestones. With particular reference
to the carboniferous limestones of northern England.
In: G.H. Dury (ed.). Essays in Geomorphology. New York: American
Elsevier, p. 177-210.
Wilson, L. , 1968. Morphogenetic classification. In: R.W. Fairbridge (ed.).
The Encyclopedia of Geomorphology. New York: Reinhold. p. 717-729.
Papers Published
No. 1 - Dag NuiMiedal, A Theoretical Framework for Discussion of
Climatological Geomorpholog^ April I972.
No. 2 - Charles Christian, ^ocial Areas ^ Spatial C^
Community of Chicago; 1950-1960 — April, 1972.
The Geography Graduate Student Association expresses its appreciation
to Mrs. Howard Roepke, who typed the manuscripts without charge, to
Lee Slorp, who designed the cover, to Sue-Ann Schuessler for her
printing services, to publication series advisors. Dr. Charles Alexander
and Dr. John Jakle, who aided in many ways, and to Drs. Jerome Pellmann,
Howard Roepke and Joseph Russell for their financial assistance.