Regional tectonic uplift indicated by geomorphological parameters in the Bahe River Basin, central China

Abstract

Abstract Multiple uplifts of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau since the late Cenozoic have generated large effects on the geomorphology and environment over Asia. However, how the basin responded to the uplifted Tibetan Plateau remains unknown. Here, we examined the digital geomorphology of the Bahe River basin, the greatest first-order tributary in the southern Weihe River basin. The geomorphogenesis of the watershed, the far-field effects, and the long-range consequences of the elevation from the Tibetan Plateau were thoroughly discussed. We found that there were five layers of terraces, which were mainly controlled by tectonic activity. The geomorphological characteristics suggested that Bahe basin was influenced by a severe tectonic activity prime, with intense river erosion. The Lishan-North Qinling Mountains uplift, facilitated by the horizontal expansion of the northern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, was also responsible for the development of the Bahe River basin.