Studies on erosion rates and erosion patterns of volcanic terrains in the Central Andes by using DEM analysis and geochronological constraints

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Gerhard Wörner
• Subject Area: Palaeontology
• Term: from 2009 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 150428585

We plan to quantify erosion patterns and erosion rates on volcanic structures and surfaces in the Central Andes with respect to an the interplay between 1) climate and precipitation, 2) topography and gradient, and 3) age and rock types of the volcanic surfaces. We will use state-of-the-art digital elevation models (SRTM), satellite imagery and morphometric software to quantify erosion patterns and volumes in regions of contrasting precipitation and substrate. In detail, we will study stratovolcanoes and plateau-forming ignimbrite surfaces of different age (5 to 25 Ma) along the western Andean margin as well as valleys incised in to the ignimbrite reference surface between 16° and 23°S. To estimate erosion rates, we will use our own and published age information.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants