The development of geomorphic theory regarding fluvial-system reorganization and drainage basin evolution, resulting from drainage integration, has been slow to progress since the abandonment of Davisian geomorphology in the mid-twentieth century. Central to the development of this theory is an understanding of the processes that allow rivers to cut across topographic and/or structural barriers that separate neighboring drainage basins. Barrier-crossing rivers are termed transverse drainages. A resurgence of drainage-integration research in the past few decades produced a consensus that four generalized processes, and variations therein, result in drainage integration and transverse drainage establishment: Antecedence; Superimposition; Piracy/Capture; and Overflow/Spillover. This timing of this talk aligns with a resurgence in interest and awareness of the importance of transverse drainages in economics, cultural history, establishment of surface and groundwater resources, distribution of aquatic and riparian biology and ecosystems, and even in understanding the history of Martian landscapes and climate. Therefore, this talk attempts to elucidate on our current understanding of drainage integration and the establishment of transverse drainages along with new insights into basin to basin and basin-wide response to transverse-drainage development - with focus on a case study of the Salt and Verde Rivers of Arizona, USA.
