Karrenfeld

Karrenfeld is a term used in geology to describe a landscape characterized by a specific type of erosion. It refers to an area where the ground is dissected by numerous small, parallel, and often shallow channels or grooves. These features are typically formed by the surface runoff of rainwater or snowmelt on bare, exposed soil or rock. The channels are usually elongated and follow the slope of the terrain, concentrating water flow into small rivulets.

The development of karrenfields is favored by several conditions. These include the presence of soluble rock types, such as limestone or gypsum, which can be chemically weathered by water. A lack of vegetation cover is also crucial, as plants can stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. Steep slopes can accelerate water flow and enhance the erosive power, while intermittent rainfall provides the necessary periods of runoff. Karrenfields are found in arid, semi-arid, and even some humid regions where these conditions align.

Visually, a karrenfeld can appear as a rippled or grooved surface, with the channels varying in width and depth. The spacing between the channels is often consistent, creating a distinctive patterned landscape. These features are distinct from larger gullies or ravines, as they are primarily a result of sheet erosion being concentrated into a network of fine, incised lines. The formation of karrenfields can be a slow process, developing over long geological timescales.