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Andes Project 2 |
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09-12-2007 |
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The Andes ProjectAbstract: It has been proposed that focused incision might initiate elastic and/or non-elastic rebound in association with an increase in the depth of dissection. Uplift is then localized and recorded as permanent deformation, which in turn, exerts a positive feedback on erosion. The Eastern Cordillera of the Bolivian Andes represent such as situation of focused erosional unloading. The morphometry of the La Paz drainage basin can be considered to partly result from the feedback mechanism between erosion and crustal bending. This feedback explains why all drainages beyond the watershed disperse their waters to the Altiplano. It also provides an explanation for the presence of the highest peaks just next to the location where the La Paz River cuts into the bedrock across the Cordillera Real. Finally, this feedback mechanism is considered to be responsible to inhibit a headward shift of the section where bedrock incision is efficient. However, it is unclear at the moment through which process, and at what time, opening of the La Paz drainage and hence initiation of these feedback mechanisms occurred. (Zeilinger & Schlunegger, 2007) Animation: Collaborators:
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This site was last updated 12/09/07 |