Where Are Colluvial Fans?

Talus fans (colluvial fan) are common on mountain slopes (slope fan), often accumulating at the base (Fig. 3). Typically they are composed of immature gravel; the coarsest debris is situated in the lower (toe) zone.

Where are alluvial fans most common?

Alluvial fans and bajadas are often found in deserts, where flash floods wash alluvium down from nearby hills. They can also be found in wetter climates, where streams are more common. Alluvial fans are even found underwater.

What are colluvial fans?

A subaqueous fan is created as an underwater current deposits alluvium from a submarine hill or glacier. Sometimes, fans are formed without the aid of water. These are called colluvial fans. Colluvial fans are created by mass wasting. Mass wasting is simply the downward movement of rock, soil, or other material.