Work

Disparity in soil erosion processes between freeze-thaw and unfrozen slopes under artificial rainfall conditions in high-altitude and dry valleys of the Southeast Tibet region

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The arid valley region in southeastern Tibet exemplifies an ecologically vulnerable area in southwestern China, where soil erosion has intensified in recent years as a consequence of socio-economic growth and infrastructure construction. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which freeze-thaw cycles affect soil erosion processes on the bare slopes of this alpine arid valley region under artificial disturbances from engineering construction. Focusing on bare slopes with inclinations of 20° and 40°, we analyzed the impact of freeze-thaw cycles on flow and sand production through indoor artificial rainfall experiments. The findings indicated an approximately threefold increase in soil splattering following the freeze-thaw cycle compared to unfrozen slopes; cumulative flow production exhibited a declining trend, decreasing by 15.99% and 37.42% after the freeze-thaw cycle at slope angles of 20° and 40°, respectively; cumulative sand production increased by 2.29% and 51.24% after the freeze-thaw cycle at slope angles of 20° and 40°, respectively. On the freeze-thaw and unfrozen slopes, the sand production rates escalated swiftly following the initiation of flow production, reaching peaks of 1.34 g·m -2 ·min -1 and 1.52 g·m -2 ·min -1 in 10 min and 12 min, respectively. Post the freeze-thaw cycle, the rates stabilized, with the sand production rates on the freeze-thaw slopes exceeding those on the unfrozen slopes. These findings will serve as a significant reference for the management of bare ground surfaces and the conservation and restoration of biological environments following construction disturbances.

Source: International Soil and Water Conservation Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.iswcr.2025.05.009