Abstract
Source-to-sink (S2S) systems have represented a major area of research in recent years; however, few modern S2S system analyses have been applied to typical dryland uplifts/mountains. A modern lacustrine sedimentary system is widely developed in the Great Lakes Basin of western Mongolia, and the Jargalant Nuruu in the Mongolian Altai is a suitable natural laboratory for modern dryland S2S system analysis. In this study, the multi-order S2S system of the Jargalant Nuruu was applied based on a digital elevation model (DEM) and Google Earth database analysis. The Jargalant Nuruu system is subdivided into three second-order sub-S2S systems of the eastern, western, and southern parts (S2S-E, S2S-W, and S2S-S, respectively) and 35 third-order sub-S2S systems (E1–E18, W1–W9, and S1–S8) according to the slope gradients, altitude, and hydrographic net of the Jargalant Nuruu recognized by DEM data, integrated with the quantitative recognition of the topographic drainage divide and structural patterns of the uplift margin. The three second-order S2S systems correspond to three various S2S system coupling models. The S2S-E is characterized by a steep slope gradient system (average 15.61°) with small-scale dominantly alluvial fan deposits (average 4.56 km2). S2S-W is represented by a gentle slope gradient system (average 10.24°) with large-scale dominated fan-shaped lobes (average 30.04 km2). S2S-S, in contrast, is a transformation zone system with transitional features between the two former types. Four major potential controlling factors for the difference in sub-S2S systems are summarized here, including tectonic activity, bedrock properties in the source area, morphology from source to sink, and climatic conditions. The landforms, sedimentary characteristics, and their differences in these sub-S2S systems are the result of the comprehensive influence and control of these multiple factors. This case study could serve as a useful reference for characterizing the sedimentary features of a modern or even ancient S2S system in other regions.
Highlights
S2S-W is represented by a gentle slope gradient system with large-scale dominated fan-shaped lobes
S2S-E is characterized by a steep slope gradient system and large vertical elevation from source to sink (>2000 m) with small-scale dominated sediment transport pathways and alluvial fan deposits
The major conclusions are presented as follows: (i) The Jargalant Nuruu system is subdivided into three second-order S2S systems (S2SE, S2S-W, and S2S-S) and 35 third-order S2S systems (E1–E18, W1–W9, and S1–S8) based on the quantitative recognition of the topographic drainage divide and structural patterns of the uplift margin
Summary
(S2S)system, system,including includingthe theerosion erosionofofthe the source (uplift (uplift or or mountain mountain catchment source catchment drainage), drainage),the thesediment sedimentstorage storagepotential potentialinina atransfer transferzone zone (sediment transportation), and the depositional zones in a basin. Numerous studies of provenance analysis in catchment drainage segments have attracted serious These studies have focused mainly on theon uplift area attracted seriousattention attention(e.g.,. Range to the southwest, covering an area of approximately km is surrounded by the Altai Range to the southwest, covering an area of approximately of large-scale alluvial around the basin. (c) Google Earth map of the Jargalant Nuruu and adjacent areas areas showing catchment drainage units of the uplift and related alluvial fan distribution. In the Mongolian Altai Range, many large-scale right-lateral strike-slip faults include a significant reverse component, which contributes to a series of N- to NW-trending longterm uplifts [41,44,45]. A series of various-scale alluvial fans are present in the foothills and surrounding low-topographic areas, which are the main objects of this study
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