Links between topography, erosion, rheological heterogeneity, and deformation in contractional settings: Insights from the central Andes

Orogenic structure in the central Andes (15°S–34°S) systematically varies with mean annual precipitation, suggesting that erosional processes may be coupled to tectonic processes. We explore the range of possible interactions between deformation, erosional processes, changing geodynamic conditions, and preexisting geologic structures to assess the relative importance of each. Our review and synthesis indicates that the pre-orogenic geologic history and changing geodynamic conditions leave a lasting imprint on the modern structure of the mountain belt. In contrast, changes in precipitation that result from regional-scale atmospheric and oceanic circulation interact with local topography to control the climatic zoning across the central Andes. Changes in erosion, which likely correspond to changes in climate, rock uplift rate, and the exposure of different lithologies, may in turn affect the tectonic development of the region at the scale of each morphotectonic province. In this view, geologic and geodynamic factors set the stage for the nature and strength of coupling between erosional processes, tectonic deformation, and mountain belt structure in the different parts of the central Andes.