Sediment Recycling and the Evolution of Analog Orogenic Wedges

In convergent systems, the interplay between tectonics, erosion, and sedimentation controls orogenic evolution. The nature of interactions these factors is still elusive due to complex feedbacks that operate across different temporal spatial scales. Here, we investigate with analog models landscape evolution designed account for both tectonic forcing surface processes, using a water-saturated granular material allows simulate contemporary brittle deformation processes. imposed by movement rigid backstop, processes are triggered simulated rainfall runoff. We vary convergence velocity, rate, basal angle box, testing how boundary conditions affect balance tectonics measure competition input fluxes (tectonics) output (erosion) material, showing strongly affects fluxes. results suggest experimental equilibrium erosion can be achieved, in models, only low rates (about 10 mm hr?1) and/or high (>2°, limited sedimentation). If foreland overfilled sediments if velocity higher, channels decrease their erosional efficiency, moving dynamic toward former.