Tectonic-driven rock uplift shapes Himalayan valley sizes, study finds

A study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that the width of Himalayan valleys is primarily controlled by tectonic-driven rock uplift rather than river erosion. The research found that greater rock uplift leads to narrower valley floors, while valley widening occurs through sediment deposition on shallow valley floors. The study also highlights the influence of bedrock composition, fault activity, and human factors such as dam construction on valley width. The findings provide insights into the spatial distribution of rivers and sediment transport dynamics in mountain valley systems.