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

9909335海姆萨最近关于造山作用演化的一个最具争议性但基本上未经检验的假说是，气候的区域变化强烈影响着活跃变形造山带变形类型和变形幅度的空间变化。 在构造和地貌过程的量化速率以及地表和岩石圈过程建模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、基于实地和模型的调查奠定了基础。 这个项目涉及到这些相互作用的检查，他们可能是最清楚地表达：尼泊尔喜马拉雅山。 这不仅是典型的碰撞造山带，而且其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流域，从青藏高原的边缘延伸到前陆，并穿越一些世界上最高的地形。 该样带涵盖了喜马拉雅山的主要结构要素，以及季风到雨影的气候条件。 主要研究人员汇集了基于过程的地貌学，冰川学，气候学，结构地质学，热年代学，宇宙成因放射性核素测年，建模和纪录片制作的专业知识，旨在评估一个总体的方法，但在很大程度上未经检验的假设：侵蚀速率在空间上随气候变化而变化，这种侵蚀的空间变异性控制着一个区域内变形的划分。造山带 *

9909335HeimsathOne 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.***