| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立中正大學 === 地震研究所 === 103 === The Taiwan orogenic belt, located in Southeastern Asia, is under monsoon climate, frequently attacked by tropical typhoons, and characterized by rapid tectonic uplift with high seismicity. Researchers have been linking the Taiwan’s landscapes to active tectonic uplift. In this study, we show the significance of glacial/interglacial climate changes in shaping the landscapes. We focus on the mountain areas that have never been glaciated. Based on >400 radiocarbon dates (70 of which >12 ka), we find that both the slope and fluvial activities were generally low during the glacial time. Still, extensive alluviation had occurred at certain time periods, forming large debris slopes or alluvial fans (typically along mountain fronts), and causing significant aggradation along some major rivers. In contrast, with numerous landslides and debris flows, river incision has dominated during the postglacial time. Episodic river aggradation with alluvial-terrace development (typically at tributary mouths) also occurred during this time period, but was less extensive than previously. Some huge postglacial alluvial terraces have been proved sourced from the colluviums deposited in the glacial time. We attribute the low landscape activities of the glacial period to the dryness during the period. However, even in this time rare but severe rainfall events must have occurred to trigger some extensive alluviation. In contrast, the increase in both rainfall and typhoon frequency during the postglacial time drastically increased the slope instability and sediment yield. The great stream power, along with the sufficient coarse debris acting as erosion tools, ensured the rapid river incision during this time.
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