Linking uplift, erosion, and sedimentation using landscape evolution models: Madagascar since the Late Cretaceous

We present a study to estimate the large-scale landscape history of continental margin, by establishing source-to-sink volume balance between eroding onshore areas and offshore basins. Assuming erosion as primary process for sediment production, we strive constrain numerical model evolution that balances volumes eroded materials from continent deposited in corresponding basins, with ratio imposed loss products. use this approach investigate Madagascar since Late Cretaceous. The uplift prescribed is inferred elevations planation surfaces formed at various ages. By fitting terrigenous sediments Morondava Basin along west coast current elevation island, optimized constraining law parameters ratios loss. results include best-fit model, which features two major periods during Cretaceous middle late Cenozoic. supports suggestions previous studies most high topography island was constructed Miocene, on central plateau has not reached an equilibrium rates Our models also indicate over geological time scale significant portion archived basin, possibly consumed chemical weathering, intensity might have varied climate.