Tectonic processes and geomorphological design

Abstract

Deep-seated geodynamic processes are the cause of the existence of the geotectonic stress field. The influence of the latter and therefore of deep-seated processes, in surface geomorphology is investigated. It is noted that the features caused by deep-seated (geotectonic) processes can be distinguished from those caused by exogenic agents (weather, erosion etc.) by their statistical characteristics. All statistically systematic features are of geotectonic origin, random features are of exogenic origin. In this paper, various types of morphological features are analyzed with regard to their origin. It is shown that lineaments seen on air photographs may not be of recent geotectonic origin: specific examples of such lineaments being erosion scarps are given. Next, it is shown that the orientation patterns inherent in fluvial and glacial valleys are indeed affected to a large extent by neotectonic processes. The same is, naturally, the case for rift valleys and chains of volcanoes. A further interesting subject is presented by the so-called “tectonic” landforms: Inselbergs, cirques, the shapes of mountain summits etc., are all shown to be directly or indirectly caused by deep-seated processes. The mass movements on slopes are also of great importance. Although it is often thought that these are triggered by meteorological conditions, it is shown that their basic design is influenced to a large extent by deep-seated processes: amongst other things, this is borne out by a correlation between landslide and earthquake activity. Finally, it is mentioned that the common joints on rock outcrops are also designed by the neotectonic stress field and that the latter can, in fact, be determined by an analysis of joint orientations. In summary, it may be stated that although exogenic agents may be responsible for many morphological features, deep-seated processes have nevertheless a great influence on the fundamental design of such features.