Reviews and Syntheses: Promoting the Advancement of Hillslope Hydrology and Stability in Taiwan from the Perspective of Critical Zone Science

Abstract

Owing to active orogenic movement and the monsoon climate, rainfall-induced landslide disasters often occur in Taiwan. Hence, hillslope hydrology and stability have received considerable research attention. However, it remains difficult to accurately estimate the duration and consequences of hillslope instability induced by hillslope hydrology. Research on hillslope hydrology and stability is complicated by spatial heterogeneity, hydrological processes operating at various scales, spatiotemporal evolution, and geomorphological properties. Recent advances in critical zone science have provided an approach to extend geoscience studies. The “deep coupling” concept is essential for integrating physical, chemical, and biological processes on various spatiotemporal scales and for providing a macro and unified framework for evaluating internal properties and processes. Critical zone science and hillslope hydrology and stability both depend on interdisciplinary perspectives and approaches, monitoring strategies, and model analysis of integrating and coupling processes. They both share the characteristics of spatial heterogeneity, continuous evolution, and relevance to ecosystem services. To address the challenges related to hillslope hydrology and stability in Taiwan, we reviewed the progress in, relevance between, and common challenges to hillslope hydrology, stability, and critical zone science. We then presented a process-based integrated monitoring strategy, an interdisciplinary perspective, and a coupling analysis framework and model. The aim of this study was to promote the advancement of research on hillslope stability and hydrology in Taiwan.