Research

(Interests & Projects)

I study the intricate interplay between near-surface processes, which shape the Earth's topography. These processes are tightly associated with tectonic activity, climate forces, and sediment redistribution over time and space. A significant amount of my time was dedicated to studying the genesis of Coastal Range of eastern Taiwan, from a subsiding syn-orogenic deep-marine sedimentary basin to a rapidly rising and eroding mountain. The results provide a fundation for investigating the history of syn-orogenic basin evolution, crustal mixing, and ancient topographic growth associated with regional tectonic activities. I have also been involved in multiple projects in Taiwan, Northwest Pacific of the United States, and New Zealand, investigating sediment-related river incision processes, the origin of landslides, and the interactions and feedbacks among topographic evolution, climate change, and tectonic activities.

Research Projects
(Click the photos/titles to see details)

Crustal Recycling at Active Arc-Continent Collision Suture Zone

Studying the development of sedimentary basin, the origin of melange, and inferred crustal deformation history at the active collisional suture zone of eastern Taiwan.

The Origin of Landslides & Their Impacts on Landscape Evolution

Studying deep-seated landslides with regard to their spatio-temporal patterns, natural controls and triggers, and long-term effects on topographic evolution.

Bedrock and Sediment Controls on Rapidly Eroding Fluvial Landscapes

Studying how variabilities in substrate lithology and sediment govern the bedrock river channel slope and morphology in rapidly eroding/uplifting (>1 mm/yr) landslide-prone terrains.

"From sink to source" - Paleotopography Reconstruction From Rock Records

Linking geomoporphic signals to deep-time stratigraphic archives by comparing source-to-sink numerical simulation and real-world sedimentary basin records. (Details TBD)

Coastal Processes and Sediment Dynamics at Gravel-Dominated Beaches

Investigating sedimentologic and morphologic characteristics of gravel-rich beaches to understand coastal processes that cause shoreline changes and sediment mobilization. (Details TBD)