RAIN-GENERATED OVERLAND-FLOW AS A FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOME STRATIFIED SLOPE DEPOSITS - A CASE-STUDY FROM THE PAYS DU BUECH (PREALPES, FRANCE)

A large exposure of stratified slope deposits, and a partly vegetated active talus, both situated near Veynes (Prealpes du Sud, France) were studied. On the active slope, dry grain flows, erosion by rain-genera ted overland flow, and 'aggregate' flows caused by high-intensity rain storms are most typical. The term 'aggregate' flow was chosen because of the abundant presence of silty aggregates (diameter 0.5-3 mm) withi n these deposits which closely resemble small debris flows. These thre e processes operate in a fixed sequence thus producing a characteristi c stratification pattern. Forms and sediments caused by the processes mentioned are described in detail. Subsequently, the results are appli ed in the interpretation of the sections of the relict deposits. The c orrelation and the interpretation problems with regard to processes in volved between deposits on the active slope and within the relict sedi ment mass are discussed, together with the traces of other processes r ecognised within the latter. The results are placed in a wider context of stratified slope deposits and their palaeoclimatic significance.