The influence of upper-crust lithology on topographic development in the central Coast Ranges of California

► Peachtree Valley fluvial geomorphology of indicates SW titling of the Gabilan Mesa. ► Stream incision rates yield rock uplift and shortening rates caused by SW titling. ► The low lying, granitic Salinian terrane has resisted deformation. ► The mélange of the mountainous Nacimiento terrane has localized strain. ► At plate boundaries, high topography forms in weak rocks due to strain localization.