#Talus vs. Scree
6 messages in this thread
No, not a boxing match. I would like a definitive answer, to settle an
argument: what is the difference between talus and scree?
– Mike
Mike:::
Doug Mitchell will probably have a more definitive answer…but I think they
are the same!
+++++++++++++++++++++++
TALUS
——————————–
Talus, or scree, is an accumulation of loose rock debris that slopes away from
the foot of a cliff or steep slope. This landform is typical in high mountains
and arctic regions where FROST ACTION dislodges rock material from fractured or
jointed cliff faces. The spacing of these joints determines the particle size
of the eroded material, which in turn establishes the slope angle of the
deposit (angle of repose), ranging from 25 deg to 35 deg. Talus forms a cone
where deposition is selectively concentrated in one area (narrow ravines),
aprons where deposition is uniform, and undulating aprons (laterally connected
cones) where the cliff face is notched.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Information from Groliers
Rick Needham/SYSOP
Scree – n. of Scandinavian origin akin to Old Norse "skritha" (landslide), 1.
a pebble or stone 2. a heap of stones or flaky debris
Talus – n. from Latin "talutium" (slope indicating presence of gold underneath
the soil) 1. a slope formed by the accumulation of rock debris 2. rock debris
at the base of a cliff
Source – from a 20 year old dictionary
I think you can safely interchange the two terms
Michael
My 20 year old dictionary of geologic terms states that they are commonly
considered to be synonyms. But Scree is a more inclusive term. "Whereas talus
is an accumulation of material at the base of a cliff, scree also includes
loose material lying on slopes without cliffs."
From the above, I would say the geologists and non-geologists I've done field
work with use them interchangeably, and few of them use the term scree.
Lanny
Lanny, (and also Michael Sternberg and Rick Needham),
Thanks for the response(s). I had come to the conclusion that talus and scree
were synonymous after consulting a dictionary or two. Yet the dictionaries
don't always give *exactly* the same definition, and a friend of mine (neither
of us are geologists) insisted that there was a distinction. This led to a
spirited discussion (I know, we should get a life). I'm thankful to have some
professional opinions on the subject, and I think the matter has now been
cleared up to everyone's satisfaction.
– Mike
Michael
That's what we are here for. The government pays us each $1,999 per day to sit
here and answer questions and rehash old geological problems. If you didn't
ask, we probably would all be fired. We do this so that we can keep our minds
fresh and thus always be on the top of the geological field and listed among
the intelligentia.
Remember us next time you have a question.
Lanny