『Abstract
A study of erosion rates by in-situ 10Be concentrations
in granites of Miocene high-elevation paleosurfaces in Corsica
indicates maximum erosion rates between 8 and 24 mm/kyear. The
regional distribution of measured erosion rates indicates that
the local climatic conditions, namely precipitation, the petrographic
composition of granites, and the degree of brittle deformation
govern erosion rates. Chemical erosion dominates even at elevations
around 2,000 m in presently subalpine climate conditions. Field
evidence indicates that erosion operates by continuous dissolution
and/or disintegration to grains (grusification). The erosion rates
are relatively high with respect to the preservation of inferred
Early Miocene landscapes. We infer temporal burial in the Middle
Miocene and significantly lower erosion rates in the Neogene until
〜3 Ma to explain the preservation of paleosurfaces, in line with
fission track data. Valley incision rates that are a magnitude
higher than erosion rates on summit surfaces result in relief
enhancement and long-term isostatic surface uplift. On the other
hand, widening and deepening of valleys by cyclic glaciation progressively
destroys the summit surface relics.
Keywords: Erosion rates; Cosmogenic; Beryllium; Subalpine climate;
Paleorelief; Granite』
Introduction
Regional setting
Methods
Field evidence
Petrology and texture of samples
In-situ 10Be erosion rates
Implications
Discussion
Conclusions
Acknowledgments
References