z-logo
Premium
Eroding dynamic topography
Author(s) -
Braun J.,
Robert X.,
SimonLabric T.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1002/grl.50310
Subject(s) - subaerial , geology , ocean surface topography , mantle (geology) , downwelling , sedimentary rock , upwelling , geomorphology , fluvial , geophysics , paleontology , structural basin , oceanography
Geological observations of mantle flow‐driven dynamic topography are numerous, especially in the stratigraphy of sedimentary basins; on the contrary, when it leads to subaerial exposure of rocks, dynamic topography must be substantially eroded to leave a noticeable trace in the geological record. Here, we demonstrate that despite its low amplitude and long wavelength and thus very low slopes, dynamic topography is efficiently eroded by fluvial erosion, providing that drainage is strongly perturbed by the mantle flow driven surface uplift. Using simple scaling arguments, as well as a very efficient surface processes model, we show that dynamic topography erodes in direct proportion to its wavelength. We demonstrate that the recent deep erosion experienced in the Colorado Plateau and in central Patagonia is likely to be related to the passage of a wave of dynamic topography generated by mantle upwelling.

This content is not available in your region!

Continue researching here.

Having issues? You can contact us here