Growing topography due to contrasting rock types in a tectonically dead landscape

Abstract. Many mountain ranges survive in a phase of erosional decay for millions years following the cessation tectonic activity. Landscape dynamics these post-orogenic settings have long puzzled geologists due to expectation that topographic relief should decline with time. Our understanding how denudation rates, crustal dynamics, bedrock erodibility, climate, and mantle-driven processes interact dictate persistence absence ongoing tectonics is incomplete. Here we explore lateral variations rock type, ranging from resistant quartzites less schists phyllites, up least gneisses granitic rocks, affected rates patterns forms humid subtropical, high-relief landscape Brazil where active ended hundreds ago. We show catchment-averaged are negatively correlated mean values relief, channel steepness modern precipitation rates. Denudation instead correlates inferred strength, rocks denuding more slowly relative erodible units, efficiency fluvial erosion varies primarily differences. Variations erodibility continue drive contrasts tectonically inactive evolving years, suggesting equilibrium not natural attractor state continues grow through Over timescales development, exposure at surface types differential can become dominant control on by producing spatial geomorphic promoting survival determining differences response after building.