Soil Related Factors Controlling Erosion And Landslides In Malaysia

Paramananthan S,Joy Jacqueline Pereira,Nurfashareena Muhamad

doi:10.7186/bgsm72202113

Abstract

The high temperature and rainfall in Malaysia results in intensive tropical weathering and depending on the parent material, the resultant soil can have deep or shallow soil profiles. Thus, a variety of soils can form with different textures (clay content), structure and porosity. With the high rainfall, soils in steep terrain are subjected to surface erosion when exposed or landslides if the rainwater percolates into the soil profile. Key soil-related factors controlling soil erosion and landslides include local climate, parent material of soils and depth of the weathered profile. Slope and geomorphology, vegetation and land use as well as land management practices also influence erosion and landslides. Measures used to control soil erosion and stabilize slopes require improved understanding of soil weathering, erosion, landslide and their linkages in steep terrain.

Highlights

Man has always been linked to soil and the land on which he lived, as he depended upon hunting, fishing or the resources provided by wild fruits and grains for his subsistence, and to the use of stones as his weapon and caves for his dwelling place
Soil profile depths in the tropics is influenced by the speed of weathering, geological age and geomorphological history, including erosion and landslides
Land management practices Land management practices influence the rate of weathering and soil erosion and accelerate landslide occurrences in the tropics (Sidle et al, 2006; Sajinkumar et al, 2011)

Summary

Introduction

Man has always been linked to soil and the land on which he lived, as he depended upon hunting, fishing or the resources provided by wild fruits and grains for his subsistence, and to the use of stones as his weapon and caves for his dwelling place. Water plays an important role that influences and intricately links soil erosion and landslides in the tropics. The factors include regional climate, local climate, parent rock or material, slope and geomorphology, vegetation and land use as well as land management practices.

Results

Conclusion