Quantifying active tectonics in the case of dynamic and instable landscape: an example from the Bhutan Himalayas

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothee Sassolas-Serrayet ◽  
Martine Simoes ◽  
Rodolphe Cattin ◽  
Romain Le Roux-Mallouf ◽  
Matthieu Ferry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Active Tectonics ◽  
Recent Change ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Mountain Range ◽  
Theoretical Studies ◽  
Drainage Basins ◽  
Equilibrium Conditions ◽  
Regional Tectonic ◽  
Climatic Evolution

<p>The quantification of active tectonics from geomorphological and morphometric approaches most often implies that erosion and tectonics have reached a certain balance. Such equilibrium conditions may however be seldom found in nature, as questioned and documented by recent theoretical studies, in particular because drainage basins may be quite dynamic even though tectonic and climatic conditions remain constant.</p><p>Here, we document this drainage dynamics from the particular case example of the Bhutan Himalayas. Evidence for out-of-equilibrium landscape features have for long been noticed in Bhutan, from major (> 1 km high) river knickpoints and from the existence of high-altitude low-relief surfaces within the mountain range. These geomorphologies were generally interpreted in the literature as representing a recent change in climatic and/or tectonic conditions, either related to the uplift of the Shillong Plateau (climate/tectonic change) or to the initiation of uplift over a blind ramp within the mountain range (tectonic change).</p><p>To further characterize these geomorphologies and discuss their origin and meaning in terms of regional tectonic or climatic evolution, we perform a detailed quantitative geomorphometric analysis using c plots and basin averaged aggressivity metrics, at various spatial scales, from large Himalayan rivers to local streams draining the low-relief surfaces. Our results first emphasize that the morphology of Bhutan does not result from a general wave of incision propagating upstream, as expected from most previous interpretations. Rather, we find that the river network is highly unstable and dynamic, in particular for the rivers draining the low-relief surfaces, hampering a proper quantification of tectonics from classical approaches based on denudation or incision rates. Finally, we discuss the origin and meaning of the observed dynamics, and from there draw some useful guidelines for future morpho-tectonic studies of active landscapes.</p>

Topographic disequilibrium, landscape dynamics and active tectonics: an example from the Bhutan Himalayas

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martine Simoes ◽  
Timothée Sassolas-Serrayet ◽  
Rodolphe Cattin ◽  
Romain Le Roux-Mallouf ◽  
Matthieu Ferry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Organization ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Active Tectonics ◽  
Recent Change ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Landscape Dynamics ◽  
Drainage Basins ◽  
Equilibrium Conditions ◽  
Longitudinal Band ◽  
Active Tectonic

<p>The quantification of active tectonics from geomorphological and morphometric approaches most often implies that erosion and tectonics have reached a certain balance. Such equilibrium conditions may however be seldom found in nature, in particular because drainage basins may be quite dynamic even though tectonic and climatic conditions remain constant. Here, we document this drainage dynamics from the particular case example of the Bhutan Himalayas. Evidence for out-of-equilibrium morphologies have for long been noticed in Bhutan, from major (> 1 km high) river knickpoints and from the existence of high-altitude low-relief regions within the mountain hinterland. These peculiar morphologies were generally interpreted as representing a recent change in climatic and/or tectonic conditions. To further characterize these morphologies and their dynamics, and from there discuss their origin and meaning, we perform field observations and a detailed quantitative morphometric analysis using Chi plots and Gilbert metrics of drainages over various spatial scales, from major Himalayan rivers to local streams draining the low-relief regions. We first find that the river network is highly dynamic and unstable. Our results emphasize that the morphology of Bhutan does not result from a general wave of incision propagating upstream, as expected from most previous interpretations. Also, the specific spatial organization in which all major knickpoints and low-relief regions are located along a longitudinal band in the Bhutan hinterland, whatever their spatial scale and the dimensions of the associated drainage basins, calls for a common local supporting mechanism most probably related to active tectonic uplift. Our results emphasize the need for a precise documentation of landscape dynamics and disequilibrium over various spatial scales as a first-order step in morpho-tectonic studies of active landscapes.</p>

scholarly journals Topographic disequilibrium, landscape dynamics and active tectonics: an example from the Bhutan Himalayas

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martine Simoes ◽  
Timothée Sassolas-Serrayet ◽  
Rodolphe Cattin ◽  
Romain Le Roux-Mallouf ◽  
Matthieu Ferry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Organization ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Active Tectonics ◽  
Recent Change ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Landscape Dynamics ◽  
Drainage Basins ◽  
Equilibrium Conditions ◽  
Longitudinal Band ◽  
Active Tectonic

Abstract. The quantification of active tectonics from geomorphological and morphometric approaches most often implies that erosion and tectonics have reached a certain balance. Such equilibrium conditions may however be seldom found in nature, as questioned and documented by recent theoretical studies, in particular because drainage basins may be quite dynamic even though tectonic and climatic conditions remain constant. Here, we document this drainage dynamics from the particular case example of the Bhutan Himalayas. Evidence for out-of-equilibrium morphologies have for long been noticed in Bhutan, from major (> 1 km high) river knickpoints and from the existence of high-altitude low-relief regions within the mountain hinterland. These peculiar morphologies were generally interpreted as representing a recent change in climatic and/or tectonic conditions. To further characterize these morphologies and their dynamics, and from there discuss their origin and meaning, we perform field observations and a detailed quantitative morphometric analysis using Chi plots and Gilbert metrics of drainages over various spatial scales, from major Himalayan rivers to local streams draining the low-relief regions. We first find that the river network is highly dynamic and unstable. Our results emphasize that the morphology of Bhutan does not result from a general wave of incision propagating upstream, as expected from most previous interpretations. Also, the specific spatial organization in which all major knickpoints and low-relief regions are located along a longitudinal band in the Bhutan hinterland, whatever their spatial scale and the dimensions of the associated drainage basins, calls for a common local supporting mechanism most probably related to active tectonic uplift. From there, we discuss previous interpretations of the observed landscape in Bhutan. Our results emphasize the need for a precise documentation of landscape dynamics and disequilibrium over various spatial scales as a first-order step in morpho-tectonic studies of active landscapes.

scholarly journals Topographic disequilibrium, landscape dynamics and active tectonics: an example from the Bhutan Himalaya

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 895-921
Author(s):  
Martine Simoes ◽  
Timothée Sassolas-Serrayet ◽  
Rodolphe Cattin ◽  
Romain Le Roux-Mallouf ◽  
Matthieu Ferry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Organization ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Active Tectonics ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Landscape Dynamics ◽  
Drainage Basins ◽  
Equilibrium Conditions ◽  
Longitudinal Band ◽  
Active Tectonic ◽  
Landscape Response

Abstract. The quantification of active tectonics from geomorphological and morphometric approaches commonly implies that erosion and tectonics have reached a certain balance. Such equilibrium conditions are however rare in nature, as questioned and documented by recent theoretical studies indicating that drainage basins may be perpetually re-arranging even though tectonic and climatic conditions remain constant. Here, we document these drainage dynamics in the Bhutan Himalaya, where evidence for out-of-equilibrium morphologies have for long been noticed, from major (> 1 km high) river knickpoints and from high-altitude low-relief regions in the mountain hinterland. To further characterize these morphologies and their dynamics, we perform field observations and a detailed quantitative morphometric analysis using χ plots and Gilbert metrics of drainages over various spatial scales, from major Himalayan rivers to their tributaries draining the low-relief regions. We first find that the river network is highly dynamic and unstable, with much evidence of divide migration and river captures. The landscape response to these dynamics is relatively rapid. Our results do not support the idea of a general wave of incision propagating upstream, as expected from most previous interpretations. Also, the specific spatial organization in which all major knickpoints and low-relief regions are located along a longitudinal band in the Bhutan hinterland, whatever their spatial scale and the dimensions of the associated drainage basins, calls for a common local supporting mechanism most probably related to active tectonic uplift. From there, we discuss possible interpretations of the observed landscape in Bhutan. Our results emphasize the need for a precise documentation of landscape dynamics and disequilibrium over various spatial scales as a first step in morpho-tectonic studies of active landscapes.

scholarly journals Spatial Relationship between Precipitation and Runoff in Africa

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fidele Karamage ◽  
Yuanbo Liu ◽  
Xingwang Fan ◽  
Meta Francis Justine ◽  
Guiping Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Surface ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Spatial Relationship ◽  
Resource Planning ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Runoff Coefficient ◽  
Global Precipitation Climatology Centre ◽  
High Runoff ◽  
Monthly Runoff

Abstract. Lack of sufficient and reliable hydrological information is a key hindrance to water resource planning and management in Africa. Hence, the objective of this research is to examine the relationship between precipitation and runoff at three spatial scales, including the whole continent, 25 major basins and 55 countries. For this purpose, the long-term monthly runoff coefficient (Rc) was estimated using the long-term monthly runoff data (R) calculated from the Global Runoff Data Centre (GRDC) streamflow records and Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) precipitation datasets for the period of time spanning from 1901 to 2017. Subsequently, the observed Rc data were interpolated in order to estimate Rc over the ungauged basins under guidance of key runoff controlling factors, including the land-surface temperature (T), precipitation (P) and potential runoff coefficient (Co) inferred from the land use and land cover, slope and soil texture information. The results show that 16 % of the annual mean precipitation (672.52 mm) becomes runoff (105.72 mm), with a runoff coefficient of 0.16, and the remaining 84 % (566.80 mm) evapotranspirates over the continent during 1901–2017. Spatial analysis reveals that the precipitation–runoff relationship varies significantly among different basins and countries, mainly dependent on climatic conditions and its inter-annual variability. Generally, high runoff depths and runoff coefficients are observed over humid tropical basins and countries with high precipitation intensity compared to those located in subtropical and temperate drylands.

scholarly journals Geomorphological indicators of large-scale climatic changes in the Eastern Bolivian lowlands

2006 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. May
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Climate Changes ◽  
Landscape Evolution ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Climatic Changes ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Fluvial Erosion ◽  
Paleoclimatic Significance ◽  
Bolivian Lowlands

Abstract. This study provides an inventory of geomorphological landforms in Eastern Bolivia at different spatial scales. Landforms and associated processes are interpreted and discussed regarding landscape evolution and paleoclimatic significance. Thereby, preliminary conclusions about past climate changes and the geomorphic evolution in Eastern Bolivia can be provided. Fluvial and aeolian processes are presently restricted to a few locations in the study area. A much more active landscape has been inferred from large-scale Channel shifts and extensive paleodune Systems. Mobilization. transport and deposition of Sediments are thought to be the result of climatic conditions drier than today. However. there are also indications of formerly wetter conditions such as fluvial erosion and paleolake basins. In conclusion, the documentation and interpretation of the manifold landforms has shown to contain a considerable amount of paleoecological information, which might serve as the base for further paleoclimatic research in the central part of tropical South America.

scholarly journals Surface predictor of overturning circulation and heat content change in the subpolar North Atlantic

Ocean Science ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 809-817 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damien G. Desbruyères ◽  
Herlé Mercier ◽  
Guillaume Maze ◽  
Nathalie Daniault
Keyword(s):  
North Atlantic ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Heat Content ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Meridional Overturning Circulation ◽  
Overturning Circulation ◽  
The North ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Key Aspects

Abstract. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) impacts ocean and atmosphere temperatures on a wide range of temporal and spatial scales. Here we use observational datasets to validate model-based inferences on the usefulness of thermodynamics theory in reconstructing AMOC variability at low frequency, and further build on this reconstruction to provide prediction of the near-future (2019–2022) North Atlantic state. An easily observed surface quantity – the rate of warm to cold transformation of water masses at high latitudes – is found to lead the observed AMOC at 45∘ N by 5–6 years and to drive its 1993–2010 decline and its ongoing recovery, with suggestive prediction of extreme intensities for the early 2020s. We further demonstrate that AMOC variability drove a bi-decadal warming-to-cooling reversal in the subpolar North Atlantic before triggering a recent return to warming conditions that should prevail at least until 2021. Overall, this mechanistic approach of AMOC variability and its impact on ocean temperature brings new key aspects for understanding and predicting climatic conditions in the North Atlantic and beyond.

A new yellow-flowered ornithophilous Vriesea and an illustrated collection of the bromeliads from Pico Alto, Serra do Baturité, Ceará State, Northeastern Brazil

Phytotaxa ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 117 (2) ◽  
pp. 42 ◽  
Author(s):  
LEONARDO M. VERSIEUX ◽  
EDUARDO C. TOMAZ ◽  
MÁRCIA FORTUNATO ◽  
CHRISTIANO VEROLA
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Mountain Range ◽  
New Taxon ◽  
Forest Patches ◽  
Humid Forest ◽  
Rich Flora ◽  
Floral Bracts ◽  
Dry Woodland

Vriesea baturitensis is described and illustrated as a new species. It is compared with V. friburgensis and V. rodigasiana, which we consider to be morphologically the most related species. The new taxon occurs in isolated Atlantic forest patches along the Baturité mountain range, in central-north Ceará state, Northeastern Brazil. It is characterized by the compact and regular rosette, a rounded leaf apex, stiff and erect peduncle, peduncle and primary bracts bright yellow, and the particular colors and sizes of the floral bracts and sepals. The humid habitat where the new species was found, known in Brazil as brejo de altitude, is surrounded by the Caatinga (Brazilian dry woodland) and due to its climatic conditions supports a rich flora of epiphytes. In Pico Alto we collected and photographed six different species of bromeliads, two of each being Guzmania and Vriesea, one of each being Aechmea and Racinaea. We conclude that the area of Pico Alto is an important remnant of humid forest and conservation measures to protect its epiphytes are urgently needed.

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