Longitudinal Stream Profile Analysis In Taiwan
Yanites, Brian J 1 ; Tucker, Greg 2
1 University of Colorado
2 University of Colorado
The growth of active tectonic structures is reflected in topographic properties such as hillslope steepness, local and regional relief, and longitudinal stream profiles. Preliminary results of three major rivers from the island of Taiwan are presented here. The rapidly incising rivers (>1 mm/yr) of Taiwan offer a unique opportunity to investigate stream response to active deformation. Longitudinal profiles are plotted with known active structures and lithological boundaries indicated. Scaling relations and steepness indices calculated from Hack’s law are shown. In addition, valley widths are plotted are plotted against distance along stream length to investigate scaling relations and anomalous narrowing/widening. The results reveal the promise for using stream profile analysis in identifying areas that are potentially undergoing active deformation, and underscore the necessity to improve our understanding of stream response to perturbations.