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Migrating deformation in the Central Andes from enhanced orographic rainfall

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  • Kevin Norton

    (School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington)

  • Fritz Schlunegger

    (Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 1+3)

Abstract

Active shortening in the Central Andes shifted from the western to the eastern margin between 10-7 Ma. Here we propose that this shift was primarily controlled by changes in erosion patterns. The uplift of the Andes blocked easterly winds, resulting in enhanced orographic rainfall on the eastern margin and reduced rainfall on the western margin. Lower erosion rates, associated with the arid conditions, caused the western margin to steepen inhibiting internal deformation and the migration of deformation to the eastern margin where it is active today. River channel profiles on the western margin are indicative of long-term transience from an older tectonic event whereas those on the eastern margin reflect ongoing coupled climatic-tectonic feedback. Both critical wedge theory and local-scale fault friction calculations support this interpretation. This work emphasizes the role that orographic rainfall and erosion can have on the orogen-scale development of mountain belts.

Suggested Citation

  • Kevin Norton & Fritz Schlunegger, 2011. "Migrating deformation in the Central Andes from enhanced orographic rainfall," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 2(1), pages 1-7, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:2:y:2011:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms1590
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1590
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