Natural oscillations in coupled geomorphic systems: An alternative origin for cyclic sedimentation

Research Article| June 01, 1995 Natural oscillations in coupled geomorphic systems: An alternative origin for cyclic sedimentation Neil F. Humphrey; Neil F. Humphrey 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Paul L. Heller Paul L. Heller 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Neil F. Humphrey 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071 Paul L. Heller 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071 Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (1995) 23 (6): 499–502. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1995)023<0499:NOICGS>2.3.CO;2 Article history First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation Neil F. Humphrey, Paul L. Heller; Natural oscillations in coupled geomorphic systems: An alternative origin for cyclic sedimentation. Geology 1995;; 23 (6): 499–502. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1995)023<0499:NOICGS>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Internally oscillating cycles of cutting and filling occur naturally in many coupled geomorphic systems. As a demonstration, we have modeled stream entrenchment and backfilling where alluvial systems couple to uplifting mountain blocks. This simple model tracks bedrock stream erosion and transport of alluvium to base level. Internal oscillations arise from coupling of a kinematic wave model for mountain erosion to a diffusion model for the alluvial basin. Decaying periodic cutting and filling occur on time scales of 105 yr; the largest magnitudes are found at the coupling point. Model results suggest that cyclic sedimentation may result from the tintinnabulation of single perturbations applied to natural systems and need not record cyclic changes in climate, tectonics, or base level. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.