Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-605
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-605
25 Jul 2022
 | 25 Jul 2022

Self-organization of channels and hillslopes in models of fluvial landform evolution

Stefan Hergarten and Alexa Pietrek

Abstract. Including hillslope processes in models of fluvial landform evolution is still challenging. Since applying the respective models for fluvial and hillslope processes to the entire domain causes scaling problems and makes the results dependent on the spatial resolution, the domain is explicitly subdivided into channels and hillslopes in some models. The transition from hillslopes to channels is typically attributed to a given threshold catchment size as a proxy for a minimum required discharge. Here we propose a complementary approach for delineating channels based on the discrete representation of the topography. We assume that sites with only one lower neighbor are channelized. In combination with a suitable model for hillslope processes, this concept initiates a self-organization of channels and hillslopes. A numerical analysis with a simple model for hillslope dynamics reveals no scaling issues, so that the results appear to be independent of the spatial resolution. The approach predicts a break in slope in the sense that all channels are distinctly less steep than hillslopes. On a regular lattice, the simple D8 flow routing scheme (steepest descent among the 8 nearest and diagonal neighbors) harmonizes well with the concept proposed here. The D8 scheme works well even when applied to the hillslopes. This property simplifies the numerical implementation and increases its efficiency.

Stefan Hergarten and Alexa Pietrek

Status: final response (author comments only)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-605', Alan Howard, 18 Aug 2022
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Stefan Hergarten, 02 Sep 2022
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-605', Anonymous Referee #2, 23 Aug 2022
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Stefan Hergarten, 02 Sep 2022
  • RC3: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-605', Anonymous Referee #3, 24 Aug 2022
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC3', Stefan Hergarten, 02 Sep 2022
  • RC4: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-605', Anonymous Referee #4, 06 Sep 2022
    • AC4: 'Reply on RC4', Stefan Hergarten, 22 Sep 2022

Stefan Hergarten and Alexa Pietrek

Model code and software

Self-organization of channels and hillslopes Stefan Hergarten https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6794117

Stefan Hergarten and Alexa Pietrek

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Short summary
The transition from hillslopes to channelized flow is typically attributed to a threshold catchment size in landform evolution models. Here we propose an alternative concept directly based on topography. Using this concept, channels and hillslopes self-organize, whereby the catchment size of the channel heads varies over some range. Our numerical results suggest that this concept works better than the established idea of a strict threshold catchment size.