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.
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.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
03 Feb 2025
Research article |
| 03 Feb 2025
| 03 Feb 2025
A numerical model for duricrust formation by water table fluctuations
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Institute of Geosciences, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Institute of Geosciences, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
François Guillocheau
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Univ Rennes, CNRS, Géosciences Rennes – UMR 6118, 35000 Rennes, France
Cécile Robin
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Univ Rennes, CNRS, Géosciences Rennes – UMR 6118, 35000 Rennes, France
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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.
We have developed a new numerical model to represent the formation of duricrusts, which are hard...
