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

9909382汉弗莱最近关于造山演化最具挑衅性但基本上未经检验的假说之一是，气候的区域差异强烈地影响着活跃变形造山带的变形方式和幅度的空间差异。在量化构造和地貌过程的速率以及模拟地表和岩石圈过程方面的最新进展，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、现场和基于模型的研究奠定了基础。这个项目涉及对这些相互作用的审查，这些互动可能是最清楚地表达出来的：尼泊尔喜马拉雅山脉。这不仅是典型的口述造山带，而且它的地形生长和侵蚀历史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，从青藏高原的边缘延伸到前陆，横跨世界上一些最高的地形。这条横断面横跨喜马拉雅山脉的主要构造要素，以及季风到雨影的气候条件。首席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，旨在多管齐下地评估一个重要的、但基本上未经检验的假设：侵蚀速度随气候在空间上变化，这种侵蚀的空间变异性控制造山带内变形的分配。

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.***