Soil piping and its hydrogeomorphic function

Abstract

Piping is shown to be a widespread phenomenon with important implications for practical as well as theoretical considerations. Its occurrence in most climatic regions testifies to the common existence of sufficient causal factors, as well as to a variety of initiating processes. Nevertheless, there are preferred climatic and pedogeomorphic environments for pipe development, and it is in these environments that piping is most important as an erosive agent and as a source of runoff. Channel extension and slope failure are the main geomorphic products, emphasising the potential role of subsurface flow and subsurface properties in these processes. Hydrologically, piping has been found to increase direct runoff, expanding stormflow contributing areas and affecting acidification processes by reducing the time of residence of water in the soil.