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Talus Slopes: Formation and Features
Talus slopes, also called scree slopes, are piles of broken rock fragments that accumulate at the base of cliffs or steep mountainsides. They form through mechanical weathering and gravity-driven erosion, creating distinctive cone-shaped deposits.
Formation Process
Characteristics
● Rock Type – Fragments are sharp and angular (not rounded like river rocks).
● Size Variation – Ranges from pebbles to massive boulders.
● Movement – Constantly shifting as new rocks fall and settle.
Examples
● Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming, USA. – Dramatic talus slopes below rugged peaks.
● Dolomites (Italian Alps) – Extensive scree fields from limestone weathering.
● Mars (Planetary Geology) – Satellite images show talus-like features on Martian cliffs.
Talus slopes provide habitats for specialized plants and animals but can be hazardous due to unstable footing. Geologists study them to understand erosion rates and mountain evolution.
Fun Fact: The world's largest documented talus slope is at Mount Olympus in Greece, with rocks that have been continuously accumulating for over 400,000 years! Some of these ancient slopes are so stable that trees have grown on them despite the seemingly unstable rock piles, with root systems that actually help hold the talus in place
What primarily causes talus slope formation?
Volcanic eruptionsWind erosionFreeze-thaw weathering and gravityOcean wavesWhy are talus rocks typically angular?
They’ve been smoothed by riversThey break from cliffs without transportThey form from lava coolingAnimals reshape themWhat angle do most talus slopes maintain?
5–10°30–40°60–70°Nearly verticalWhich event would NOT trigger rockfall?
Heavy rainEarthquakeGlacier meltingSunny dayWhere is a famous talus slope located?
Sahara DesertGrand Teton National ParkMississippi DeltaGreat Barrier ReefHow does talus benefit ecosystems?
Provides stable farmlandCreates habitats for specialized speciesForms permanent lakesPrevents all erosionWhat planetary body shows talus-like features?
VenusMarsJupiterThe MoonWhy are talus slopes hazardous?
They emit toxic gasRocks are unstable and may slideThey attract predatorsThey cause wildfires
