Geomorphology of tectonically active and intensely denuded regions.

Abstract

In Japan modern rates of uplift are generally greater than those of denudation, but denudation rates are greater than or approximately equal to uplift rates in high mountains of Central Japan and on the Pacific slope of SW Japan; in these mountains both rates are usually of the order of 1 mm/yr. These mountains were rapidly uplifted and intensely denuded in the Quaternary. When a landmass is uplifted at a constant rate, the area increases its relief with uplift, being sculptured by rivers. Denudation rates become greater and approach uplift rates. Ultimately, both rates become equal, and steady-state landforms in dynamic equilibrium of uplift and denudation occur. Planation surfaces in Japanese mountains are interpreted as last glacial age periglacial plains. -from English summary