Unifying particle‐based and continuum models of hillslope evolution with a probabilistic scaling technique

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Abstract

Relationships between sediment flux and geomorphic processes are combined with statements of mass conservation, in order to create continuum models of hillslope evolution. These models have parameters which can be calibrated using available topographical data. This contrasts the use of particle‐based models, which may be more difficult to calibrate, but are simpler, easier to implement, and have the potential to provide insight into the statistics of grain motion. The realms of individual particles and the continuum, while disparate in geomorphological modeling, can be connected using scaling techniques commonly employed in probability theory. Here, we motivate the choice of a particle‐based model of hillslope evolution, whose stationary distributions we characterize. We then provide a heuristic scaling argument, which identifies a candidate for their continuum limit. By simulating instances of the particle model, we obtain equilibrium hillslope profiles and probe their response to perturbations. These results provide a proof‐of‐concept in the unification of microscopic and macroscopic descriptions of hillslope evolution through probabilistic techniques, and simplify the study of hillslope response to external influences.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages29
JournalJournal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface
Early online date29 Oct 2018
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 29 Oct 2018

Keywords

  • hillslope
  • particle model
  • landscape evolution model
  • probabilistic scaling
  • geomorphic transport law

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