Talus Fan

(talus mantle), the mantle-like covering on the lower parts of mountain slopes or at the foot of a mountain, consisting of talus—material washed down the slope by rain and snow water. The thickness of talus fans is greater at the foot of a mountain than on slopes. The composition and degree of pulverization of the talus depends on such factors as the material forming the slopes, the intensity of the flow, and the steepness of the slope.