Curved tree trunks - Indicators of soil creep and other phenomena

Tree trunks are often curved as a result of external factors including catastrophic events, the availability of light, and soil creep. Where trees with curved trunks due to soil creep can be recognized, they may provide a useful indication of slope instability. Trees with trunks which are curved downslope to resemble catenaries probably owe their shape to downslope soil creep. Sharp curves in tree trunks are usually the result of catastrophic events, but snow/ice pressure may cause trees to bow with gentle curves. Also, phototropism may cause shade-intolerant trees to grow with gently curved trunks. Such curves are quite distinct from those induced by soil creep.