Analysis of the segmentation in the profile of alpine talus slopes

A method for analysing the segmentation in the profile of talus slopes is used in an Alpine periglacial environment. Two populations of talus slope profiles are examined according to the development of their headwalls. Beneath massive rockwalls the profile appears bi‐segmented: a break point situated at a constant angle (33–34 degrees) divides an extensive proximal segment with a shallow curvature from a shorter and more concave distal segment. When the headwall disappears, the segmentation is modified and a concavity extends throughout the profile. A new model for talus slope formation is proposed in which the rockfall mechanism and the removal processes are combined.