Alluvial terrace systems in Zhangjiajie of northwest Hunan, China: Implications for climatic change, tectonic uplift and geomorphic evolution

摘要: Abstract This paper reports the latest details from two comprehensive investigations of alluvial terrace sequences in Zhangjiajie, northwest Hunan Province, China. Seven units along Maoxi River and four Suoxi record significant regional geomorphic history. Rates Quaternary uplift climate change are reconstructed using topographic stratigraphic evidence adjacent cave deposits, with Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) Thermo-luminescence (TL) dating controls. Between 928 ka 689 ka time-averaged rate (or incision rate) was 0.16 m/ka. The decreased to 0.05 m/ka between 347 ka, then increased slightly 0.11–0.14 m/ka after 347 ka. inferred incision roughly 0.21–0.32 m/ka 0.51 m/ka Late Pleistocene present. seven phases (T7 − T1) their associated chronology consistent climatic variations at and/or global scales, suggesting that these terraces represent climate-driven pauses imprinted atop long-term tectonically induced by rivers. Insights staircases features indicate spectacular sandstone peak forest landscape study area has emerged since middle period Middle Pleistocene.