The interaction between hydrology and geomorphology in a landscape simulator experiment

An experimental landscape simulator has been developed which uses a rainfal l simulator to create overland flow and erosion. The simulator uses rainfal l sprinklers that eliminate rainsplash and an artificial soil which has lit tle cohesion. Experimental landscapes developed in the simulator evolved ac cording to Howard's headward growth model. Elements of Glock's model could be identified during evolution (i.e. initiation and maximum extension), but other stages of this model were not observed (i.e. extension and integrati on). The Horton concept of cross-grading and micropiracy and stream piracy was not observed despite the dominance of overland flow, nor the groundwate r headward growth mechanism proposed by Dunne, the latter due to experiment al design, which eliminated any perched groundwater table. The experimental apparatus produced model landscapes that are scaled-down analogues of real world processes. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.