The interplay of lithology, tectonics and climate in the morphology of Corsica

Harries, Rebekah M.; Lavarini, Chrystiann; Kirstein, Linda A.; Attal, Mikael; Mudd, Simon M.

Abstract

The morphology of the landscape on the island of Corsica in the western Mediterranean Sea is transient with a clear topographic asymmetry. The geology of the island can be divided into two units – Hercynian Corsica and Alpine Corsica – with contrasting lithology, climate and structural controls between them. We used topographic analysis to assess the influence of each of these factors on landscape form. Disequilibrium in the landscape is illustrated by analysing 𝜒
and Gilbert metrics, which indicate active migration of the drainage divide, along with a new metric that quantifies tributary heights above the main stem channel. The climate in the region has fluctuated dramatically from the Messinian salinity crisis through to Quaternary glaciation. However, analysis of the size and distribution of knickpoints across the island does not reflect specific base-level changes. Instead, the basement structures control valley orientation and the conditioning of the landscape by glaciation exerts strong controls on drainage evolution.

Citation

Harries, R. M., Lavarini, C., Kirstein, L. A., Attal, M., & Mudd, S. M. (2024). The interplay of lithology, tectonics and climate in the morphology of Corsica. Journal of the Geological Society, 181(5), https://doi.org/10.1144/jgs2024-031

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 31, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jul 17, 2024
• Publication Date: Sep 2, 2024
• Deposit Date: Sep 17, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 17, 2024
• Journal: Journal of the Geological Society
• Print ISSN: 0016-7649
• Electronic ISSN: 2041-479X
• Publisher: The Geological Society
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 181
• Issue: 5
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1144/jgs2024-031
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2866777