对砾石风化与时间关系的定量研究表明,二者关系是非线性的。实事上,由于风化残余物对风化过程的抑制作用,大部分砾石的风化速率随时间减小,有的与时间呈指数关系,这样,便可以根据砾石风化圈厚度估算地貌年龄。该方法自六十年代开始兴起,经过几十年的实践,已日趋成熟。近来我们在我国西部河西走廊中段进行了这方面研究。本文系统介绍了该方法的研究状况。

Quantitative studies of the relation between weathering and time suggest that the rates of most weathering processes decrease with time. Some weathering processes appear to conform to exponential function of time.Based on this theory,we can estimate ags of landforms based on the analysis of rock-weathering rinds.This relative-dating method has been used for several decades since 1966.Recent studies of weathering-rinds on sandstones in the middle of Hexi Corridor in western China suggest this method is applicable.The authors have reviewed the development of this technique.