Weak bedrock allows north-south elongation of channels in semi-arid landscapes

• Published in: Earth and planetary science letters 2017-11, Vol.478, p.150-158
• Main Authors: Johnstone, Samuel A., Finnegan, Noah J., Hilley, George E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: drainage network morphology; landscape evolution; microclimate; topographic asymmetry; topography
• ISSN: 0012-821X; 1385-013X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.epsl.2017.08.037

Differences in the lengths of pole- and equator-facing slopes are observed in a variety of landscapes. These differences are generally attributed to relative variations in the intensity of mass-transport processes on slopes receiving different magnitudes of solar radiation. By measuring anomalies in the planform characteristics of drainage networks, we demonstrate that in the most asymmetric landscapes this asymmetry primarily arises from the equator-ward alignment of low-order valley networks. Valley network asymmetry is more severe in rocks expected to offer little resistance to erosion than in more resistant rocks when controlling for climate. This suggests that aspect-driven differences in surface processes that drive differences in landscape evolution are also sensitive to underlying rock type. •Asymmetry in the productivity of vegetation persists across a range of climates.•Asymmetry in landscape morphology extends beyond hillslopes into valley networks.•Asymmetry in valley networks emerges in low-order tributaries.•Tributary asymmetry is most prominent in rock types vulnerable to erosion.