Chia-Yu Lu

Bio: Chia-Yu Lu is an academic researcher from National Taiwan University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Subduction & Collision zone. The author has an hindex of 17, co-authored 48 publications receiving 1484 citations. Previous affiliations of Chia-Yu Lu include Adept Technology.

Arc-continent collision in Taiwan: New marine observations and tectonic evolution

Abstract: Marine observations offshore of Taiwan indicate intense deformation of the Luzon arc-forearc complex, with episodic eastward migration of the active deformation front across the complex. The Philippine Sea Plate (PHS) began colliding with the Eurasian continental margin in Pliocene time. Because of the obliquity of plate convergence, the collision has propagated through time from north of Taiwan to the south with the more advanced stages being presently observed to the north, whereas the subduction of the oceanic lithosphere of the South China Sea beneath the PHS occurs to the south. Offshore, the collision zone is characterized by deformation of the arc including the forearc region to the south. This active tectonic domain absorbs a significant amount of shortening between the Eurasia margin and the PHS, which is moving towards N 310° E at about 8 cm/yr relative to Eurasia. Swath bathymetry and backscattering data, together with seismic reflection and geopotential data obtained during the ACT cruise onboard the R/V L'Atalante, showed major north to south changes in the tectonic style in both the indenting arc and the host margin. In the southern domain, left-lateral transpression is recorded by deformed and folded series of the forearc domain that are unconformably overlain by collision-derived sediments of the Southern Longitudinal Trough (SLT). Today, the loci of deformation has jumped to the east and it is characterized by the growth of a sedimentary ridge (the Huatung ridge, rear portion of the former Manila oceanic accretionary wedge including forearc and intra-arc sequences), which overthrusts the basement of the island arc. In the northern domain, north of 22°30'N, active westward thrusting of the Coastal Range (remnants of the island arc and forearc basins) over the Lichi melange develops onland along the Longitudinal Valley. Offshore, at the base of the eastern slope, prominent fault scarps suggest an active eastward thrusting of parts of the arc (volcanic edifices and intra-arc or forearc sediments) onto the oceanic crust of the Philippine Sea Plate. It accounts today for part of the convergence. The

The influence of climate on the tectonic evolution of mountain belts.

Abstract: Simple physical arguments, analogue experiments and numerical experiments all suggest that the internal dynamics of actively deforming collisional mountain ranges are influenced by climate. However, obtaining definitive field evidence of a significant impact of climate on mountain building has proved challenging. Spatial correlations between intense precipitation or glaciation and zones of rapid rock-uplift have indeed been documented in numerous mountain ranges, and are consistent with model predictions. More compelling evidence — such as tectonic changes in response to (rather than just coincident with) climate change — has, however, rarely been documented. Triggered by a climate-driven increase in erosion rate, friction-dominated mountain ranges are expected to show a number of simultaneous responses: a decrease in the width of the range, a temporary increase in sediment yield, a persistent increase in the rate of rock uplift and a reduction in the subsidence rate of surrounding basins. The most convincing field evidence for such a coordinated response of a mountain range to climate change comes from the European Alps and the St Elias range of Alaska. Field studies and experimental research during the past two decades have provided considerable evidence for a significant influence of climate on tectonics. Recent advances suggest that model predictions can guide future fieldwork aimed at substantiating this view.

Supply and Removal of Sediment in a Landslide-Dominated Mountain Belt: Central Range, Taiwan.

Abstract: A strong coupling between hillslope and valley systems is often inferred for mountain landscapes dominated by bedrock landsliding. We reveal the nature of this link using data sets on landsliding and sediment transport from two montane catchments draining the eastern Central Range of Taiwan. Here, the magnitude‐frequency distribution of landslides can be modeled by a robust power law, but this scale invariance is not mirrored in the sediment discharge at the mountain front. Instead, downstream sediment loads reflect a complex response to both sediment supply and ambient hydraulic conditions. The rivers do not transport significant amounts of sediment unless it is provided by hillslope mass wasting in the catchment. Removal of landslide debris is a function of the transport capacity of the stream at the site of entry; thus, there is a dual supply and transport control on sediment loads in bedrock‐floored streams. Over a monitoring period of >25 yr, the bulk of the sediment leaving the mountain bel...

Structural Geology Algorithms: Vectors and Tensors

Abstract: State-of-the-art analysis of geological structures has become increasingly quantitative but traditionally, graphical methods are used in teaching. This innovative lab book provides a unified methodology for problem-solving in structural geology using linear algebra and computation. Assuming only limited mathematical training, the book begins with classic orientation problems and progresses to more fundamental topics of stress, strain and error propagation. It introduces linear algebra methods as the foundation for understanding vectors and tensors, and demonstrates the application of geometry and kinematics in geoscience without requiring students to take a supplementary mathematics course. All algorithms are illustrated with a suite of online MATLAB functions, allowing users to modify the code to solve their own structural problems. Containing 20 worked examples and over 60 exercises, this is the ideal lab book for advanced undergraduates or beginning graduate students. It will also provide professional structural geologists with a valuable reference and refresher for calculations.