Lake Issyk Kul: Neotectonic deformation of (paleo-) shorelines and their link with intermontane basin closure and lake-level fluctuations

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Lake Issyk Kul in northern Kyrgyzstan is a potential ICDP drilling site to examine the climatic and erosional history of Central Asia over the past few Myr. This proposal focuses on deciphering the tectonic signals contained in the landscape of the lake catchments and their influence on lacustrine sedimentary processes. Key elements are paleo-shorelines straddling Lake Issyk Kul. Shorelines and lacustrine deposits furnish ample evidence for major lake-level fluctuations during the Quaternary, and help identify transient fluvial connectivity with other basins and overflow conditions, which are paramount for correctly assessing changing environmental conditions in the lake basin. Major historic earthquakes, tectonically deformed landforms, paleoseismological evidence, and voluminous mass movements indicate that climate alone is not the only driver for changes in lake dynamics, making this basin an ideal location to understand linked tectono-sedimentary processes. I aim to quantify shoreline deformation by remote sensing and terrestrial LiDAR-scanning, accompanied by dating of associated marker horizons. Importantly, I will focus on events and mechanisms responsible for basin closure and changes in fluvial connectivity of the lake system, recorded in the stratigraphy and geomorphology of the western lake outlet. These data will help to better understand the Quaternary evolution of the lake and are crucial to interpret the record to be obtained from the proposed ICDP drill core.