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Dynamic reorganization of river basins
Sean D Willett1, Scott W McCoy, J Taylor Perron
1Geological Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|March 8, 2014
Summary
River network geometry reveals how drainage divides move, reshaping basins. This method maps dynamic landscapes, showing stationary divides in China and migrating ones in Taiwan and the US.
Area of Science:
- Geomorphology
- Hydrology
- Landscape Dynamics
Background:
- River networks evolve through changes in drainage divides, altering basin topology via channel capture.
- Understanding drainage divide migration is key to comprehending landscape evolution and river basin dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a characteristic metric of river network geometry that quantifies horizontal drainage divide motion.
- To apply this metric across diverse landscapes to map the dynamic states of river networks.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of a novel geometric metric for river networks.
- Analysis of river network geometry in distinct geographical regions (Loess Plateau, Taiwan, Southeastern US).
Main Results:
- Identified stationary drainage divides in the Loess Plateau, China.
- Observed migrating drainage divides in Taiwan, driving major basin adjustments.
- Documented river reorganization in the Southeastern US due to escarpment retreat and coastal advance.
Conclusions:
- A geometric metric effectively gauges drainage divide motion and maps river network dynamics.
- River basin reorganization varies significantly across landscapes with different geological and geomorphological characteristics.
- Measuring river basin dynamics offers insights into landscape-scale interactions involving tectonics, erosion, and ecology.
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