Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree Completion
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Geological Sciences
Committee Chair
Audrey Huerta
Second Committee Member
Anne Egger
Third Committee Member
Paul Winberry
Abstract
New geomorphic assessments in the Southern Transantarctic Mountains (TAM) provide insight into the relative timing of tectonic and climatic events. This study uses bedrock and surface data to recognize and analyze landscape modifications using slope aspect, elevation, and relief, and to evaluate topographic features in drainage networks. Three processes have modified the TAM surface throughout the TAM’s history: fluvial, tectonic, and glacial. The relationship of observed geomorphic features unique to each process allows us to determine the relative timing of each modification. Variations in the degree of glacial erosion across the TAM reveal fluvial geomorphology that is minimally modified from ice. Digital Elevation Models of the TAM show extensive escarpments along the putative range front faults from the West Antarctic Rift System (WARS). We see evidence of high elevation before widespread glaciation and rifting in preserved subglacial drainage patterns. With the above observations, we interpret that there was a region of high elevation prior to widespread glaciation and Cenozoic WARS rifting, most likely from uplift related to lithospheric foundering.
Recommended Citation
Gilliland, Amy, "Temporal Constraints of Tectonic Events in the Southern Transantarctic Mountains, Antarctica From Geomorphic Analysis" (2025). All Master's Theses. 2088.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/2088