Anthropogenic slope deposits - definition, distribution and age

Anthropogenic slope deposits are created by processes that are either directly or indirectly linked with human activity. Processes directly linked include excavation and redeposition of sediments during construction works in and around settlement areas (e.g. roads, gardens), as well as in agricultural areas (e.g., vineyards, ‘Plaggen Esch'). Processes indirectly linked with human activity initiate the necessary preconditions to allow gravity, water, and wind to either start working or to intensify indirect human activities such as settling, clearing, mining, grazing, or farming. All these activities open the landscape, destroy the covering vegetation and thus the protection from natural soil erosion. However, in more semiarid or arid areas these preconditions might change from place to place. Overview information on the diverse genesis, the distribution and the various properties of anthropogenic slope deposits is given and their value for soil science, landscape reconstructions and archaeology are pointed out.