A review of the mechanisms of cambering and valley bulging

Abstract A study has been undertaken to investigate the mechanism of cambering and valley bulging. Previously proposed primary mechanisms are critically reviewed and discussed. The primary mechanism proposed here is that of frost heave and creep of valley slopes, enhanced by slope erosion and cap rock load during a period of periglaciation, partly at the onset of the cold period but predominantly whilst the ground was in frozen and thawing states. The mechanism is supported by experimental study, a mathematical model and field evidence.