Climatically controlled terraces in uplifting mountaines areas

Terraces in tectonically active mountains and uplands record both tectonic uplift and rhythmic climatic variations. The author discusses the question of how to distinguish the role of both tectonic and climatic factors. In Central Europe, with Quaternary uplift of the order of 50-100 m, climatically controlled terraces are well developed. Cold stage aggradation is recognised through the interfingering of periglacial alluvial, slope and loess deposits. Erosional activity prevailed in transitional periods. Then follows a discussion of difficulties connected with the construction of timing and rate of tectonic uplift based on the depth of incision in the bedrock and on facies differentiation. The examination of changes in longitudinal profiles of river valleys indicates that unrejuvenated upper valley courses cannot be used for the reconstruction of tectonic uplift. Finally, the author presents several types of adaptation of tectonically determined downcutting and aggradation to Quaternary climatic cyclicity. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.