Progress in the reconstruction of palaeoflood events in the mountain canyon valleys around the Tibetan Plateau

doi:10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.9.13

Abstract

Abstract:

Palaeoflood reconstruction is a frontier research topic in the field of geomorphology and environmental change. This paper reviews paleohydrologic techniques and approaches and discusses the hydrological reconstruction and geomorphological effects of palaeoflood events. Paleostage indicators (PSIs) and geomorphologic evidences (e.g., slackwater deposit (SWD)) were identified along the mountain canyon valleys of southwestern China using paleohydrological criteria. Geomorphologic evidences of the palaeoflood events should be systematically investigated at the watershed scale. Palaeoflood SWD, suspended during the high water stage in the slackwater/backwater area, provides a complete sedimentary sequence of PSI; while sand/gravel bars, the bed-load deposits during the flood’s low water stage, and run up deposits above the bar top provide a potential PSI. The magnitude of paleoflood was estimated using multiple one- and two-dimensional hydraulic models in the bedrock reach. Different flood geomorphologic evidences were dated by multiple geochronological methods (e.g.,¹⁴C dating, OSL dating, cosmogenic ¹⁰Be and ²⁶Al exposure age dating). Floods of different origins were checked on a watershed scale. The magnitude-frequency relationship and spatiotemporal pattern of the palaeoflood events were established. The formation age, geomorphic evidence, and hydrological model of the catastrophic paleofloods around the Tibetan Plateau show obvious spatiotemporal characteristics and geomorphologic effects, which has significance for understanding global megaflood geomorphology during the last glaciation. The hydrodynamic conditions and geomorphologic effects of the palaeoflood were assessed on a special scale, and flood geomorphology has been extended from a continental to a planetary scale. In addition, modern large flood investigations can serve as a key reference for understanding the palaeoflood sedimentary processes and hydrological parameters.

Key words: mountain canyon valleys, flood geomorphology, palaeoflood hydrology, Holocene, rare flood

CLC Number:

P331.1
P931

GUO Yongqiang, GE Yonggang, CHEN Xiaoqing, LIU Weiming, MAO Peini, LIU Tao. Progress in the reconstruction of palaeoflood events in the mountain canyon valleys around the Tibetan Plateau[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2021, 28(2): 168-180.

Figures/Tables 10

Fig.1 A schematic diagram showing the correlation between the geomorphic evidences of palaeoflood and palaeostage indictors. Adapted from [36-37].

Fig.2 Schematic diagram showing the geomorphic positions of palaeoflood deposits, debris flow fans and landslide deposits in a mountain canyon valley

Fig.3 Examples of palaeoflood sand bars and SWD covered by debris flow and landslide deposits in the upper Minjiang River valley

Fig.4 Results of sedimention and river hydraulic-2D(SRH-2D) modeling of palaeoflood deposits and hydrodynamic condition. Adapted from [46].

Fig.5 Geomorphic landscape of ancient landslide-dammed lake in the Diexi reach of the upper Minjiang River

Fig.6 The longitudinal profile of the upper Minjiang River. Adapted from [51].

Fig.7 Palaeoflood records of different geological carriers around the world. Adapted from [7,57].

Fig.8 Geomorphic feature of eddy bar and the spatial relationships between large scale bar and PSIs during the catastrophic palaeofloods. Modified after [55,60].

Fig.9 Sedimentary characteristics of outburst flood deposits (OFD) in the upper Minjiang and Yarlung-Tsangpo River valley

Fig.10 Catastrophic palaeoflood reconstruction based on different geomorphic evidences. Adapted from [61].

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