The rainstorm of August 1998 in the Abisko area, northern Sweden: Preliminary report on observations of erosion and sediment transport

Several rainstorms with strong erosional effects have been recorded in Scan dinavia during recent decades. The erosion occurs by the release of rapid m ass movements on mountain slopes or through fluvial incision and bank colla pse along streams and rivers. Various factors, such as terrain characterist ics and seasonal timing of the rainstorm event, are thought to favour the p redominance of either of the two types of erosion for particular events. A new example of this variable impact of rainstorms is briefly described, and related research issues are outlined.