Process-Morphology Interaction on Arctic Debris Slopes, S. W. Devon Island, Canada

Abstract

The study assesses process-morphology relationships on 27 debris slopes of an Arctic periglacial environment. A systematic sampling procedure is followed to obtain profile angle and debris size, shape and orientation for each slope. A rigorous test design to analyze size and shape variation has high statistical power and yields reliable results. Vector analysis is employed in the study of debris orientations, while non-parametric tests are performed on geometric parameters. Supplementary studies are made on rockfall accumulation and subsurface meltwater flow. Responses of slope geometry and debris characteristics to three major process groups are independently analyzed and compared in four selected localities, and the nature and effects of each process in the study area are presented. A discussion of interactions between the processes, geometry and debris concludes with a relative assessment of each process.