Evolution of drainage patterns in active fold-thrust belts: A case study in the Qilian Mountains

Author:

Ma Zhenhua,Yang Didi,Li Xiaomiao,Feng Zhantao,Wang Qi,Peng Tingjiang

Abstract

The Qilian Mountains are a typical active fold-thrust belt. A series of large and elongated drainage basins are oriented almost parallel to the Mountain Chain. Conversely, on North flank of the Qilian Mountains, transverse rivers dominate the drainage network. However, the evolution of these drainage patterns is still poorly understood. Here, we first review the evolutionary history of the drainage pattern of major rivers in the Qilian Mountains. We find that early transverse-dominated river networks are progressively replaced by longitudinal-dominated rivers during mountain building. Because the incision rate of transverse rivers is defeated by the uplift rate of mountains, the transverse rivers would be diverted toward the fold tips and gradually lengthened. Then, we analyze the evolutionary trends of drainage networks using topographic metrics. We suggest that longitudinal rivers, especially the upper reach of longitudinal rivers, will be captured by transverse rivers. Our study shows that the evolution of drainage patterns in active fold-thrust belts has two stages: in the early stage, transverse rivers would be replaced by longitudinal rivers; in the later stage, the upper longitudinal rivers would be captured by transverse tributaries. Moreover, the evolution model of drainage patterns in active fold-thrust belts is validated by using the TopoToolbox Landscape Evolution Model (TTLEM). Tectonics and deformation impart a lasting impression on the planform pattern of drainage networks. However, the drainage network will show different patterns in various evolution stages, even with consistent tectonic conditions. The results of this study may help investigate the drainage network evolution process in other active fold-thrust belts.

Funder

Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province

National Natural Science Foundation of China

Publisher

Frontiers Media SA

Subject

General Earth and Planetary Sciences

Cited by 1 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3