Tectonic, Climate, and Erosional Controls on Andean Plateau Incision and Width, South Peru

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Modeling and observational studies have led to the hypothesis that climate-induced erosion influences the width and locus of deformation in orogens and shapes orogen topography. However, previous studies are not unambiguous and current progress is hampered by the need for clear, multidisciplinary field observations. This proposal focuses on the climate controls on plateau margin incision and width of large orogenic plateaus. More specifically, the two components of this research include 1) quantifying the climate and paleoclimate controls on observed spatially extensive and high-magnitude canyon incision in the eastern margin of the Central Andean Plateau (Peru and Bolivia), and 2) potential climate controls on large (~200 km) variations in plateau width in South Peru. I propose to do this through an integration of fieldwork, low-temperature thermochronology, balanced cross-sections, and thermo-kinematic modeling. These new observations will be interpreted in the context of tectonic shortening and existing atmospheric general circulation paleoclimate models. This proposal entails a strong international collaboration with leading US and Peruvian scientists in Andean tectonics and surface processes, assuring project success.