Articles | Volume 14, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-141-2026
© Author(s) 2026. 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-14-141-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
13 Feb 2026
Research article |
| 13 Feb 2026
| 13 Feb 2026
A numerical model for duricrust formation by laterisation
Institute of Geophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Boční II/1401, 141 00 Prague 4 – Spořilov, Prague, Czech Republic
Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Jean Braun
Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Institute of Geosciences, University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Cécile Robin
Université Rennes 1, Géosciences Rennes, 35042 Rennes, France
François Guillocheau
Université Rennes 1, Géosciences Rennes, 35042 Rennes, France
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Short summary
Duricrusts have contributed valuable insight to the evolving field of regolith science over the past two centuries. These mineral-rich layers occur in diverse settings, from hilltops to valley floors, and are thought to form through two main processes. In 2025, we introduced the first numerical model for the hydrological hypothesis; now, we present a complementary model based on laterisation. This framework simulates both the development of duricrusts and their impact on landscape evolution.
Duricrusts have contributed valuable insight to the evolving field of regolith science over the...
