Climatic and Biotic Controls on Topographic Asymmetry at the Global Scale

Insolation differences play a primary role in controlling microclimate and vegetation cover, which together influence the development of topography. Topographic asymmetry (TA), or slope between terrain aspects, has been well documented small-scale, field-based, modeling studies. Here we combine suite environmental (e.g., vegetation, temperature, solar insolation) topographic elevation, drainage network) data to explore driving mechanisms markers TA on global scale. Using novel empirical analysis method, find that (1) steeper higher magnitudes, (2) globally, pole-facing is average than equator-facing terrain, especially mid-latitude, tectonically quiescent, vegetated landscapes, (3) high-elevation low-temperature regions tend have steepened toward equator. We further show there are distinct climate cover across reflected size form fluvial networks. Our work supports argument insolation asymmetries engender local microclimates opposing broadly encourage asymmetric topography range lithologic, tectonic, geomorphic, climatic settings.