Landscape dissection, isostatic uplift, and the morphologic development of orogens

Research Article| November 01, 1994 Landscape dissection, isostatic uplift, and the morphologic development of orogens A. R. Gilchrist; A. R. Gilchrist 1Coastal Mountain Consultants, 3504 Gordon Drive, Terrace, British Columbia V8G 5P5, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar M. A. Summerfield; M. A. Summerfield 2Department of Geography, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XP, United Kingdom Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar H. A. P. Cockburn H. A. P. Cockburn 2Department of Geography, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XP, United Kingdom Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information A. R. Gilchrist 1Coastal Mountain Consultants, 3504 Gordon Drive, Terrace, British Columbia V8G 5P5, Canada M. A. Summerfield 2Department of Geography, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XP, United Kingdom H. A. P. Cockburn 2Department of Geography, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XP, United Kingdom Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (1994) 22 (11): 963–966. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1994)022<0963:LDIUAT>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 A. R. Gilchrist, M. A. Summerfield, H. A. P. Cockburn; Landscape dissection, isostatic uplift, and the morphologic development of orogens. Geology 1994;; 22 (11): 963–966. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1994)022<0963:LDIUAT>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 We examine the morphologic factors that determine the isostatic response to landscape dissection in orogenic terrains in order to quantify the relative contributions of active tectonic uplift and passive isostatic uplift in generating mountain topography. We demonstrate that although peaks many times the elevation of an assumed initial plateau can theoretically be generated, only moderate amounts of peak uplift can be explained by isostatic rebound in real terrains. Analysis of topographic data from the European Alps and other orogens indicates that isostatic uplift in response to dissection can account for about one-fourth of the elevation of the highest peaks if local isostatic compensation is assumed and less if the lithosphere has significant flexural rigidity. We conclude that although isostatic uplift can be significant in orogens, high peaks are predominantly a consequence of tectonic processes in convergent settings. 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.