Dept. of Geosciences Colloquium: Escarpments in Motion: Retreating Cliffs, Migrating Divides, and Changing Climate

Zoom: https://tau-ac-il.zoom.us/j/87073901428?pwd=Zay3aB8aBEigEH9SC4iEU9pByK9FCN.1

Abstract:

The steep slopes and pronounced asymmetry of great escarpments and erosional cliffs make them remarkable examples of out-of-equilibrium landforms. Surface processes are expected to gradually erode these features, bringing them closer to equilibrium over time. However, despite decades of research, the long-term evolution, persistent morphology, and often surprising longevity of escarpments remain far from understood.

This talk will present a series of recent studies demonstrating that drainage reorganization, particularly in the form of drainage reversal near escarpment edges, plays a key role in controlling the morphological evolution of escarpments and cliffs. Specifically, we will explore how the interplay between migrating drainage divides and retreating waterfalls can deeply embay originally linear escarpments. Additionally, we will see how drainage reversals toward escarpments can be used to quantify, for the first time, intermittent dynamics of migrating water divides, potentially revealing an unexpected connection to changing climatic conditions.

Event Organizer: Dr. Ariel Lellouch