Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
![Digital Commons Network](http://assets.bepress.com/20200205/img/dcn/DCsunburst.png)
Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Hillslope Asymmetry Maps Reveal Widespread, Multi-Scale Organization, Michael J. Poulos, Jennifer L. Pierce, Alejandro N. Flores, Shawn G. Benner
Hillslope Asymmetry Maps Reveal Widespread, Multi-Scale Organization, Michael J. Poulos, Jennifer L. Pierce, Alejandro N. Flores, Shawn G. Benner
Geosciences Faculty Publications and Presentations
Hillslope asymmetry is the condition in which oppositely-facing hillslopes within an area have differing average slope angles, and indicates aspect-related variability in hillslope evolution. As such, the presence, orientation and magnitude of asymmetry may be a useful diagnostic for understanding process dominance. We present a new method for quantifying and mapping the spatial distribution of hillslope asymmetry across large areas. Resulting maps for the American Cordillera of the Western Hemisphere and the western United States reveal that hillslope asymmetry is widespread, with distinct trends at continental to drainage scales. Spatial patterns of asymmetry correlate with latitude along the American Cordillera, …