Bodenphysikalische Prozesse und Ursachen der subterraneo Erosion in Löß und Schwemmlöß im östlichen Harzvorland

Abstract

HARDENBICKER, U.; HECHT, C.: The influence of physical properties on subsurface erosion processes in loess sediments ofthe eastern Harz foreland.- Hercynia N.F. 33 (2000): 31-41. In its dry state the structure of Loess has some strength and can withstand moderate Ioads. Loess is highly erodible and unstable when wet and upon saturation collapsing of internal structure occurs. Subsurface erosion in the study is due to physical properties of loess and the underlying reworked loess. For pipe creation and enlargement, the loess is cohesive enough to maintain the walls of the pipes but is capable of dispersion into separated grains. So surface waters enter the loess and infiltrate by way of cracks and marcopores so that the inflow can entrain and remove grains. The underlying reworked loess is less stable and affected by entrainment of fine particles. Water can seep and produce sufficient drag force to entrain material at the outlet. Keywords: physico properties, subsurface erosion, loess