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Figure 2.15 Relationship between glacial, fluvial, and composite landscape erosion
rates and the contributing basin area, as measured by sediment yield data collected
over a 20-year period. Black symbols refer to glaciated basins; gray and open
symbols indicate river basins. PNW refers to river basins in the U.S. Pacific
Northwest. SOURCE: Koppes and Montgomery (2009). Reprinted by permission
from Macmillan Publishers Ltd.
To date, however, overarching theory has proven useful, and substantial
progress has been achieved from studies of steady-state orogens. For example,
recognition of the role of enhanced windward erosion and limited erosion on the
leeward, rain-shadowed side of mountain ranges (e.g., Reiners et al., 2003) has
confirmed predictions of modeling studies (e.g., Koons, 1990; Willett et al., 1993;
Willett, 1999) and bolstered evidence of rock uplift and deformation patterns that
matched the conceptual framework (e.g., Beaumont et al., 1996; Batt and Braun,
1999). Connections between climate, erosion, and the tectonically driven growth of
orogenic wedges have been explored in coupled models (e.g., Whipple and Meade,
2004, 2006; Tomkin and Roe, 2007). Coupling of erosion, tectonic deformation, and
patterns of rock uplift have also been explored at finer scales through the
development of individual fold belts or geological structures (e.g., Wobus et al.,
2003; Hilley et al., 2004; Simpson, 2004; Stolar et al., 2007). While there has been
tremendous progress on such linkages, significant uncertainties and questions remain
about the role of erosional processes on the dynamic development of geological
structures in diverse tectonic settings.
Further elaboration and evaluation of such linkages and the implications for
landscape response to tectonic and climatic perturbation offer tremendous research
opportunities. In particular, key research opportunities include:
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