Soil dynamics and hillslope processes (C03+)

• Subject Area: Physical Geography
• Term: from 2016 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 268236062

C03 investigates hillslope processes in the hyperarid Atacama. Since results from the 1st CRC phase emphasize the limited importance of rainfall for hillslope activity and landscape evolution, it aims at investigating controls of rainfall-independent (near-) surface hillslope dynamics on both recent and geological time scales. Using a suite of different field and lab methods, C03 will undertake controlled and repeated investigations at selected key sites to unravel the formation processes of fog-triggered patterned ground structures (Fog Desert) and seismic shaking-related hillslope forms (Seismic Desert). Ultimately, C03 aims at developing conceptual models on hillslope formation under hyperaridity.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1211: Earth - Evolution at the Dry Limit
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Co-Applicant Institution: Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Olaf Bubenzer