Liam Reinhardt, Mountain Man |
A model mountain at SAFL
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| Liam Reinhardt completed his PhD at the University of Glasgow in 2005. His thesis, ‘Tectonics and Topography: A study of Mountain denudation in southern Spain' was based on research that used cosmogenic 10 Be concentrations in bedrock and fluvial sediment to assess catchment wide erosion rates. He then related the pattern of erosion to the topographic evolution of the tectonically active Spanish Sierra Nevada. |
The study of transient landscapes such as the Sierra Nevada is highly topical as these landscapes are the most common type of terrain and are sensitive to (and record the influence of) climate change, human activities, and tectonic forcing. Reinhardt's present research aims to gain a more fundamental insight into transient landscape dynamics through physical modeling of high relief mountain belts. The experimental apparatus he uses is an erosion box in which two opposing panels are able to slide independently, so simulating base-level fall or rise across an emerging topography. Rainfall is generated by an ultra-fine misting apparatus mounted overhead. A more detailed explanation of these experiments and their rationale is provided through the following links: |
Topographical map of Spanish Sierra Nevada
The principle study area
Rio Torrente catchment
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To view a PDF presentation explaining the rationale behind Liam's experiments click here.
To watch a video of a model mountain being formed:
Click here for highest resolution (174MB)
Click here for medium resolution (45MB)
Click here for smallest resolution (10MB) RealPlayer
(Liam's full CV can be found here.) |
