Slope-area thresholds of road-induced gully erosion and consequent hillslope-channel interactions

Harry Alexander Katz; J. Michael Daniels; Sandra E. Ryan-Burkett

doi:10.1002/esp.3443

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Slope-area thresholds of road-induced gully erosion and consequent hillslope-channel interactions

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Harry Alexander Katz, J. Michael Daniels, Sandra E. Ryan-Burkett

Year:

2014

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.3443

Source:

Earth Surface Processes and Landforms. 39(3): 285-295.

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Abstract

Pikes Peak Highway is a partially paved road between Cascade, Colorado and the summit of Pikes Peak. Significant gully erosion is occurring on the hillslopes due to the concentration of surface runoff, the rearrangement of drainage pathways along the road surface and adjacent drainage ditches, and the high erodibility of weathered Pikes Peak granite that underlies the area. As a result, large quantities of sediment are transported to surrounding valley networks causing significant damage to water quality and aquatic, wetland, and riparian ecosystems. This study establishes the slope/drainage area threshold for gullying along Pikes Peak Highway and a cesium-137 based sediment budget highlighting rates of gully erosion and subsequent valley deposition for a small headwater basin.

Keywords

gully erosion, hillslope-channel coupling, sediment budgets, roads, cesium-137

Citation

Katz, Harry Alexander; Daniels, J. Michael; Ryan, Sandra. 2014. Slope-area thresholds of road-induced gully erosion and consequent hillslope-channel interactions. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms. 39(3): 285-295.