Detection of channel-hillslope coupling along a tectonic gradient

Hurst, M. D. , Grieve, S. W.D., Clubb, F. J. and Mudd, S. M. (2019) Detection of channel-hillslope coupling along a tectonic gradient. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 522, pp. 30-39. (doi: 10.1016/j.epsl.2019.06.018)

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Abstract

Landscape morphology reflects the spatial and temporal history of erosion. Erosion in turn embodies the competition between tectonic and climatic processes. Quantitative analysis of topography can therefore reveal the driving tectonic conditions that have influenced landscape development, when combined with theoretical understanding of erosion processes. Recent developments in the automated analysis of high-resolution (<10 m) topographic data mean that integrated analysis of hillslope and channel topographic metrics can provide understanding of the transient response of landscapes to changing boundary conditions. We perform high-resolution topographic analysis of hillslopes and channels in small (<3 km2) catchments spanning an inferred uplift gradient along the Bolinas Ridge, California, USA, revealing tight coupling between channel steepness and hillslope metrics thought to be proxies for erosion rates. We find that the concavity of channel longitudinal profiles varies inversely with uplift rates, although drainage density increases with uplift rates. Both of these results can be explained by the contribution of mass wasting processes to valley formation in steeper (high uplift rate) landscapes. At the catchment scale, hillslope and channel metrics for erosion are correlated, hillslopes and channels steepen in concert, and hilltops (ridges) get sharper with increased uplift rate. This broad agreement suggests that hillslopes are responding to erosion rates in the channel network, which implies that landscape uplift is relatively stable and prolonged. Hillslope morphology deviates systematically from the steady-state predictions of established geomorphic transport laws, suggesting that hillslope adjustment is ongoing and that relief is growing.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:FJC was supported by a Geo.X fellowship and NERC grant NE/L501566/1.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Hurst, Dr Martin
Authors: Hurst, M. D., Grieve, S. W.D., Clubb, F. J., and Mudd, S. M.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
Journal Name:Earth and Planetary Science Letters
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0012-821X
ISSN (Online):1385-013X
Published Online:01 July 2019
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V.
First Published:First published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters 522:30-39
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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