The landscape legacy of extreme weather events

The Earth’s surface is shaped by a myriad of processes that occur with variable frequency set by the local climate regime. Yet the relative importance of frequent, small events versus infrequent, large events remains an important challenge in geomorphology. Addressing this problem requires new constraints on how rare, and often hazardous, geomorphic events impact landscapes and the cascade of processes that persist long after the events have occurred. Here I present two case studies illustrating how individual storms can leave lasting imprints on topography and surface processes. The first case study in southern Taiwan explores how the >20,000 landslides generated by Typhoon Morakot have influenced river processes long after the storm has passed. The second case explores how trees uprooted by strong winds in the Midwest of the United States roughens topography in these forested regions. While very different landscapes, these case studies illustrate the legacy of rare weather events on Earth’s landscape. The results have implications for understanding the interaction of Earth’s atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere as well as what to expect as climate change alters the frequency of extreme weather worldwide.

Host: Claire Masteller

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