Tectonic Geomorphology North and South of the Garlock Fault, California

Five differential equations that interrelate uplift, erosion, and deposition along stream systems that cross the mountain fronts of the northern Mojave Desert were used to appraise three classes of Quaternary tectonism. Class 1 (active tectonism) terrains are characterized by mountain-front sinuosities of 1.2 – 1.6, unentrenched alluvial fans, elongate drainage basins with narrow valley floors and steep hillslopes even in soft materials. Class 2 (moderate to slightly active tectonism) terrains are generally characterized by mountain-front sinuosities of 1.8 – 3.4, entrenched alluvial fans, large drainage basins that are more circular than class 1 basins in similar rock types, steep hillslopes and valley floors…