Landscape response to deglaciation in a high relief, monsoon-influenced alpine environment, Langtang Himal, Nepal

Quaternary Science Reviews
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Abstract

Significant glacial fluctuations and rapid paraglacial reworking of glacigenic sediments characterize the Middle and Late Holocene of the Langtang Khola Valley, Central Nepal Himalaya. Geomorphic mapping and beryllium-10 cosmogenic radionuclide (CRN) dating of moraines and paraglacial fans were undertaken to test the existing paraglacial fan, terrace and moraine chronologies. The new dating compares favorably with prior studies that utilized radiocarbon, adding additional support to the assumption that fan and terrace formation are strongly linked to deglaciation. Fan and terrace denudation rates are so rapid in this region, averaging ∼33 mm/yr, that no depositional landforms older than 5 ka are preserved within 250 m of the valley floor. In this region, high rates of denudation during the Late Quaternary are driven by a combination of rapid tectonic uplift, numerous glacial fluctuations and intense weathering driven by an active monsoon climate. Extensive reworking of glacigenic sediments in Langtang during the latter half of the Holocene is consistent with studies completed in other areas of the Himalaya that are strongly influenced by the monsoon.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Landscape response to deglaciation in a high relief, monsoon-influenced alpine environment, Langtang Himal, Nepal
Series title Quaternary Science Reviews
DOI 10.1016/j.quascirev.2006.02.002
Volume 25
Issue 17-18
Year Published 2006
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Coastal and Marine Geology Program
Description 15 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Quaternary Science Reviews
First page 2162
Last page 2176
Country Nepal
Other Geospatial Langtang Himal
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