Revolutionary Development Model Unveiled for Third-Longest River on Earth
A new research paper published in Science Advances presents a new model for the development of the Yangtze River. The study suggests that changes in the size of the Yangtze River watershed, along with the capture of ancient lake basins, may have led to the carving of deep canyons. The research indicates that the expansion of the watershed and increased erosive power drove accelerated incision during the Late Miocene. The findings also suggest that eastern Tibet was elevated prior to approximately 15 million years ago, and the timing of fluvial incision may be out of phase with the growth of plateau topography.