Simulating tectonically controlled fractal landscape evolution in the Three Rivers Region (SE Tibetan Plateau margin)

Abstract

The long-term development of fluvial landscapes is sensitive to tectonic movement. This is the case for the Three Rivers Region, located on the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, where it is critical for understanding the continuous collision and compression between the Indian and Eurasian plates. However, quantitative perspectives on this landscape evolution are lacking. Based on present global positioning system (GPS) data, a quantitative expression of two phases of regional deformation, a northeast-southwest shortening and dextral shear deformation, was proposed to represent the continuous Indian-Eurasian collision. By incorporating this tectonic pattern into a landscape evolution model and integrating the regional differential uplift, the numerical results quantitatively present a dynamic shaping of the Nu, Lancang, and Jinsha rivers in the SE Tibetan plateau margin. Analyses of the fractal dimensions of these river networks indicate that two tectonic deformation phases significantly controlled regional landscape development and its unique drainage features. The numerical simulations depict the river networks to comprise very long and relatively straight stream trunks, and relatively small and short tributaries. The tectonic shortening and its accompanying rapid uplift prevented the development and lengthening of the tributaries, which might have promoted the formation of low-relief surfaces. With comparison to the digital elevation model (DEM), the fractal features of the river networks extracted from the numerical results are consistent with those extracted from the natural river networks, despite the simplicity of the numerical model. More broadly, based on the more realistic kinematic scenarios and reasonable constraints, this study contributes to the development of an effective and applicable model that can reveal important implications for the landscape evolution of the region.