Valley asymmetry on south-eastern Alexander Island, Antarctica, and valley forms in the High Drakensberg, South Africa

Field data from south-eastern Alexander Island, Antarctica, are used to develop a model for the formation of asymmetrical valley-side slopes. Enhanced weathering and transport causes reduction in the gradient of north-facing slopes. Conversely, the relatively inactive south-facing slopes maintain their steep gradients. The application of this model for formation of the observed asymmetry in the high altitude regions of the Drakensberg mountains during the Pleistocene is considered. It is proposed that enhanced weathering and transport reduces the gradient of north-facing slopes whereas the south-facing slopes remain relatively protected environments