Innovative applications of laser scanning and rapid prototype printing to rock breakdown experiments

We present the novel application of two technologies for use in rock breakdown experiments, i.e. close-range, ground-based 31) triangulation scanning and rapid prototype printing. These techniques aid analyses of form-process interactions across the range of scales relevant to breakdown (mu m-m). This is achieved through (a) the creation of DEMs (which permit quantitative description and aanalysis of rock surface morphology and morphological change) and (h) the production of more realistically-shaped experimental blocks. We illustrate the use of these techniques', alongside appropriate data analysis routines, in experiments designed to investigate the persistence of fluvially-derived features in the face of subsequent wind abrasion and weathering. These techniques have a range of potential applications in experimental field and lab-based geomorphic studies beyond those specifically outlined here. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.