The glacial buzzsaw

Schematic illustrating the mechanism of 'the glacial buzzsaw' limiting the height of mountain ranges globally. Apart from in large valleys, efficient glacial erosion is restricted to elevations above the snow line altitude. At these elevations the erosive power of small and large glaciers can keep pace with tectonic rock uplift rates, and a global topographic analysis reveals that the glacial relief above the snow line altitude generally is less than 1500 m. The height of a typical mountain range, like the Andes or the Himalayas, is thus limited by the snow line altitude plus 1500 m. The snow line altitude depends on climate, which explains why mountain ranges generally are higher near the equator than at high latitudes.
For more information visit Nature.com at http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v460/n7257/abs/nature08263.html
David L. Egholm, Aarhus University

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Glacial
• Erosion
• Buzzsaw
• Snow
• line
• Mountains