Colluvial

A deposit resulting from soil erosion, usually at the foot of a slope and containing rock detritus or talus. At the bottom of slopes, soils lose their structure and become eroded due to clearance of forest, plowing, or cultivation. Colluvial material typically gathers in the dry valleys of chalklands and also at the foot of escarpments or valley sides.

Resulting from soil erosion. Colluvial deposits accumulate at the bottom of slopes, where soils above have lost their structure and are being eroded. This is frequently caused by man’s clearance of forest, ploughing and cultivation. Typically, colluvial material has gathered in the dry valleys of the chalklands. Fans of colluvial material may be found at the foot of escarpments or valley sides. Where field boundaries present a barrier to downslope movement, step-like features called lynchets develop.