Earth Surface Dynamics
Earth Surface Dynamics
ESurf
Articles | Volume 13, issue 1
Articles | Volume 13, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-119-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-119-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Articles | Volume 13, issue 1
Research article
 | 
03 Feb 2025
Research article |  | 03 Feb 2025

A numerical model for duricrust formation by water table fluctuations

Caroline Fenske, Jean Braun, François Guillocheau, and Cécile Robin

Data sets

"A Numerical Model for Duricrust Formation by Water Table Fluctuations" Datasets Caroline Fenske https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/RNYH4

Model code and software

CarolineFenske/Duricrusts: Initial Release (v1.0) Caroline Fenske https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10523101

Video supplement

S1 - Supplementary material for article "A numerical model for duricrust formation by water table fluctuations" Caroline Fenske https://doi.org/10.5446/69377

Download
Short summary
We have developed a new numerical model to represent the formation of duricrusts, which are hard mineral layers found in soils and at the surface of the Earth. We assume that the formation mechanism implies variations in the height of the water table and that the hardening rate is proportional to precipitation. The model allows us to quantify the potential feedbacks they generate on the surface topography and the thickness of the regolith/soil layer.

Read more