Methods for measuring rock surface weathering and erosion: A critical review

Abstract: Accurate discrimination of exposed bedrock (EB) and gravel surfaces is essential for quantifying soil resources, understanding erosional controls on pedogenesis, and guiding conservation strategies in bedrock-dominated mountain ecosystems. Conventional methods based on manual visual interpretation are labor-intensive, costly, and typically classify both as a single “mixed bedrock–gravel surface,” leading to misestimation of soil resources. Here, we present a framework that integrates topographic features, remote sensing spectral indices, and interpretable machine learning to classify EB and gravel in the high-elevation, geomorphically complex mountains of southern Tibet, China (average elevation > 4,500 m). A total of 7,798 samples were generated from Google Earth Pro high-resolution imagery. By combining Sentinel-2 spectral bands, soil- and vegetation-related indices, and DEM-derived topographic variables, a recursive feature elimination–random forest (RFE–RF) model achieved an overall accuracy of 95.64 %, significantly exceeding that of the legacy approach (overall accuracy = 88 %). Independent field validation confirmed the robustness of the predictions. Shapley analysis revealed slope height and topographic position index as the primary drivers of EB–gravel differentiation, reflecting denudation processes on ridges and deposition in valleys. Shortwave infrared bands (B11, B12) and derived indices (clay index, geological index) further enhanced separation. The resulting maps aligned closely with Gaofen imagery and manual interpretations. This study establishes a transferable paradigm for high-precision surface classification in alpine environments, enabling fine-scale identification of potential soil resources.

TL;DR: In this paper , Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) exposure dating signals were combined with 10 Be surface exposure dating to constrain the postglacier erosion rates of bedrock samples adjacent to the Gorner glacier in the European Alps.

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the role of gravitational ambient stress, as dictated by slope topography and rock mass structure, in weathering induced strength degradation and its subsequent influence on the mechanics of rockfall detachment.

TL;DR: In this article, the role of the surface and its different possible finishes in the transmission of the agents that damage or protect the stone was investigated, both when choosing the most suitable stone for new constructions and when restoring historic buildings.

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present theoretical estimates of the production rates of isotopes of He, Ne and Ar based on available cross-section data, and discuss the implications of these parameters for single and multiple nuclide studies in terms of the erosion models considered.

TL;DR: In this article, it was shown that the cosmic ray flux increases at higher altitude as air pressure and the shielding effect of the atmosphere decrease, and that altitude-dependent scaling factors are required to compensate for this effect in calculating cosmic ray exposure ages.

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a single complete and straightforward method that reflects currently accepted practices and is consistent with existing production rate calibration measurements, which is intended to enable geoscientists, who wish to use cosmogenic-nuclide exposure age or erosion rate measurements in their work, to calculate exposure ages and erosion rates; compare previously published exposure ages on a common basis; and evaluate the sensitivity of their results to differences between published production rate scaling schemes.

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the theory necessary for interpreting cosmogenic nuclide data, reviews estimates of parameters, describes strategies and practical considerations in field applications, and assesses sources of error in interpreting Cosmogenic Nuclide measurements.