Incision History of the Three Gorges, Yangtze River Constrained From Inversion of River Profiles and Low‐Temperature Thermochronological Data

We reconstruct the incision history of bedrock rivers based on inverse modeling long profile a river channel and low-temperature thermochronological data. Our approach first infers an erodibility-dependent through linear inversion elevations river. Then to calibrate reconstructed in geological timescale, we constrain erosional efficiency by optimizing erosion process catchment using Bayesian analysis, such that exhumation cooling paths bedrocks conform observed ages. apply this estimate Three Gorges, Yangtze River East Asia. modeled histories three tributaries mainstem near eastern end Gorges area, assuming gorge was driven increased upstream drainage area Upper (Scenario 1) or local tectonic uplift 2). The results both scenarios suggest early Miocene onset is, 18 ± 6 Ma 21 4 Ma, respectively. During Pliocene, our models significant decrease rate. By comparing estimated late Cenozoic denudation Tibetan Plateau regional climate change, has been heavily affected development Asian monsoon.