# 1. Topographic / Geomorphological Factors - Elevation (DEM as a base surface) - Slope gradient (steepness of terrain) - Aspect (direction slopes face) - Curvature (concavity/convexity of slopes) - Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) - Relative relief / ruggedness - Valley and ridge formation - Drainage density and channel networks - Landform classification (peaks, ridges, saddles, spurs, valleys) # 2. Geological & Soil Factors - Bedrock geology (lithology, structure, faults) - Soil type, depth, and texture - Soil permeability & porosity - Erosion potential - Soil pH and chemistry - Rock outcrop distribution - Microbial Activity # 3. Hydrological Factors - Precipitation (spatial variation, orographic effects) - Snow cover and snowmelt patterns - Groundwater recharge and discharge zones - Surface runoff pathways - Wetlands / bogs (common in uplands) - Stream order and channel morphology - Floodplains (if present in valleys) # 4. Climate & Atmospheric Factors - Temperature gradients (elevation lapse rates) - Wind exposure (topographic shelter vs. exposure) - Solar radiation (incoming shortwave, shading by terrain) - Frost/ice occurrence - Microclimates in valleys vs. ridges # 5. Vegetation & Land Cover Factors - Vegetation type and density (moorland, heath, grassland, conifer plantations, alpine vegetation) - Tree line position (if mountainous) - Land management practices (pasture, burning, grazing, forestry) - Vegetation succession / disturbance regimes (fire, logging, storms) - NDVI or other spectral indices from remote sensing # 6. Land Use & Anthropogenic Factors - Paths, roads, and tracks (erosion from footfall/vehicles) - Agricultural activity (sheep grazing, upland farming, fencing) - Reservoirs, dams, and water diversions - Settlements and buildings (sparse in uplands but still relevant) - Quarries/mines (common in some upland areas) - Tourism impacts (footpaths, ski slopes, mountain huts) # 7. Process-Based Simulation Factors - To make it dynamic (not just a static surface), include process drivers: - Erosion and sediment transport (fluvial, aeolian, glacial if relevant) - Mass movement (landslides, rockfalls, debris flows) - Soil creep - Peat accumulation/erosion - Glacial processes # 8. Remote Sensing & Derived Variables - LiDAR / photogrammetry-derived microtopography - Multi-spectral data (vegetation, soil moisture, snow cover) - Radar data (InSAR for soil/rock movement and GPR for mapping peat pipes) #Research #Ideas