Collaborative Research: Geomorphic-Geodynamic Coupling at the Orogen Scale: A Himalayan Transect in Central Nepal

最近关于造山带演化的一个最具争议性（但在很大程度上未经检验）的假设是，在一个活跃变形的造山带上，气候的区域变化强烈地影响着变形样式和变形幅度的空间变化。在构造和地貌过程速率的量化以及地表和岩石圈过程的模拟方面的最新进展，为地貌、气候和构造过程之间的相互作用和反馈的综合、定量、实地和基于模型的研究奠定了基础。这个项目涉及到这些相互作用的检查，他们可能最清楚地表达：尼泊尔喜马拉雅。这不仅是典型的碰撞造山带，而且其地形生长和侵蚀历史也被认为是全球气候变化的关键控制因素。综合研究的重点是一个主要的横向集水区，从青藏高原边缘延伸到前陆，穿越世界上一些最高的地形。这个样带跨越了喜马拉雅的主要结构元素，以及季风到雨荫的气候条件。主要研究人员汇集了基于过程的地貌学、冰川学、气候学、构造地质学、热年代学、宇宙成因放射性核素测年、建模和纪录片制作方面的专业知识，采用多管齐下的方法，旨在评估一个总体的、但基本上未经验证的假设：侵蚀速率在空间上随气候而变化，这种侵蚀的空间变动性控制着造山带内变形的划分

9909382HumphreyOne of the most provocative - yet largely untested - recent hypotheses concerning orogenic evolution is that regional variations in climate strongly influence spatial variations in the style and magnitude of deformation across an actively deforming orogen. Recent progress in quantifying rates of both tectonic and geomorphic processes and in modeling surface and lithospheric processes sets the stage for an integrated, quantitative, field-and model- based investigation of the interactions and feedbacks between geomorphic, climatic, and tectonic processes. This project involves an examination of these interactions where they are likely to be most clearly expressed: the Nepalese Himalaya. Not only is this the quintessential colloisional orogenic belt, but its topographic growth and erosional history have been suggested as key controls on global climatic changes. The integrated study focuses on a major transverse catchment, stretching from the edge of the Tibetan Plateau to the foreland and traversing some of the highest topography in the world. This transect spans the major structural elements of the Himalaya, as well as monsoon-to-rainshadow climatic conditions. The Principal Investigators bring together expertise in process-based geomorphology, glaciology, climatology, structural geology, thermochronology, cosmogenic radionuclide dating, modeling, and documentary film making for a multi-pronged approach intended to evaluate one overarching, but largely untested hypothesis: Rates of erosion vary spatially as a function of climate and this spatial variability in erosion controls the partitioning of deformation within an orogen.***