A physical statistical approach to erosion

Rundschau 85(1): 65{70. Abstract Erosion is a complex process consisting of many components, like surface runoo, impact of raindrops, wind forces, soil, and rock mechanics, etc. Trying to integrate all these processes into a physical model seems to be hopeless. In order to understand the variety of natural shapes and patterns produced by erosion we present an integrated statistical approach. Our model is based on simple physical constraints for the separation of amalgamated particles (abrasion) and for the movement of loose particles (denudation) and on the laws of statistics. After some simpliications we obtain a nonlinear system of partial diierential equations that is solved using nite volume techniques. The model is suitable for the formation of diierent types of rill systems and the episodic behaviour of erosion processes, a kind of self{ organized criticality. Besides eeects of inhomogenities, e. g., the formation of terraces can be investigated.