Pediment Characteristics and Terminology
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 18946236 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Ben A Tator (Louisiana State University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 1952 |
| Volume | 42 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 295-317 |
| Publication date | 1952-12-01 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Annals of the Association of American Geographers (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0004-5608 • E-ISSN: 1467-8306 |
| Publisher | American Association of Geographers (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1080/00045605209352147 |
| OpenAlex | W2041245920 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 9 |
p LANATE bedrock surfaces, rock pediments and rock benches, form a large proportion of the comparatively flat relief elements of arid and semiarid landscapes. The origin of these landforms has been controversial since Gilbert first recognized and described them'. More than seventy years of subsequent research has produced a variety of terms, descriptions, and theories of development. An objective appraisal of this body of material is warranted at the present time. Analyses of the published descriptions reveal the apparent universal nature of some of the physical characteristics of the pediment. Herein attention is focused on such diagnostic criteria. The terminology generally used to designate the erosion surface is examined with purpose to select the most appropriate terms. In this respect terms suggesting genesis are avoided, emphasis being placed rather on geomorphic location. It is further suggested that the condition of alluviation of the bedrock surface, a criterion of significance as to mechanics of truncation, may be employed to qualify the feature further. Two major theories of origin have proven acceptable to students of this subject. One proposes that rock planation is a result of lateral corrasion by steepgradient, ephemeral streams; the other contends that weathering of escarpment faces causes their retreat, leaving as a consequence a relatively planate bedrock surface. Some recent workers have combined certain tenets of these two concepts. The present writing is not concerned with an evaluation of hypotheses. The intent is rather to offer a summarization of physical characteristics and terms. A summmary tabulation of 43 works pertinent to the subject is arranged in an appendix
Archaeology · Geography · Linguistics · Physical geography · Terminology · Aeolian processes and effects · Geology · Geology and Paleoclimatology Research · Philosophy
| Citations per year | 0.03 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 1956 - 2016 (61) |
| Highly cited | No |