Recent work has suggested that parts of the Appalachian Mountains were uplifted during
the Neogene, based on stream knickpoint analysis (Gallen et al., 2013; Miller et al.,
2013). Analysis of the symmetry of valleys has the potential to indicate tectonic activity
by determining migration trends of channels. Tectonic quiescence promotes lateral
migration of stream bends. This creates asymmetrical bend valleys with shallow point
bars and steep cut banks. Uplift promotes downcutting over lateral migration, producing
symmetrical stream valleys. Using LIDAR data and ArcMap software, I quantified the
symmetry of stream valleys in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. I
calculated the symmetry of valleys by dividing the right valley slope by the left valley
slope to form ratios ranging from 0 to 1, with 1 indicative of a symmetrical valley.
Where the right slope exceeded the left slope, I inverted the ratio to avoid numbers
greater than 1. I measured slope ratios across the Broad, Cullasaja, French Broad,
Linville, New, Pigeon, Toe, and Tuckasegee Rivers. To separate similar symmetry
values between areas of gentle and steep topography, I multiplied the symmetry value by
the average of the right and left slopes. The resultant values were then combined with a
knickpoint propagation model to project areas of equilibrating streams and relict
topography. Active landscapes were projected across most of the Blue Ridge Mountains
in North Carolina, excluding the French Broad river valley, which was either unaffected
by Neogene activity or equilibrated in the distant past. These conclusions agree with
hypothesized locations of active landscapes, in addition to projecting new potential
locations of rejuvenation.Bachelor of Scienc
