Continental plateaus and tectonics-climate interactions (VAMP)

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With average elevations of several kilometers, low internal relief and high and deeply incised flanks, orogenic plateaus are first-order morphotectonic phenomena that form integral parts of the largest mountain ranges on Earth. Plateaus display unifying similarities such as anomalous lithospheric thicknesses, heat flow and complex interactions between tectonic and climatic processes. In fact, all Cenozoic plateaus profoundly impact climate and precipitation patterns commonly due to their spatial proximity to efficient orographic barriers. Higher precipitation and runoff, high-density stream networks, and high erosional capacity characterize the windward flanking slopes of these regions; conversely, arid conditions with internal drainage and low erosional capacity rivers define plateau interiors, thus creating strongly contrasting geologic and climatic conditions. Arguably, orogenic plateaus are thus among the best geological settings to investigate how surface and deep-seated process interact to shape the Earth’s surface.To further our understanding of interactions between surface and deep-seated processes in shaping the Earth’s topography we propose a CRP named Vertical Anatolian Movements Project (VAMP) to investigate the only orogenic plateau in Europe, the Miocene to Present Central Anatolia Plateau (CAP) . Our goal is to acquire a quantitative understanding of the competing tectonic, geomorphic and climatic processes controlling the development of orogenic plateaus. We aim at increasing the temporal and spatial resolution of plateau-building processes. As a corollary we will probe the effects of plateau uplift on climatic conditions that caused disparities in geomorphic process rates. We will strive to (1) determine the character of Miocene to Recent deformations, uplift and strain partitioning (2) inspect continental sedimentary archives and landforms with respect to long-term climate changes superposed on tectonic uplift; (3) decipher the spatiotemporal patterns of erosional exhumation along the plateau margins; and (4) evaluate the geophysical characteristics of the deep mantle/lithosphere beneath and around the plateau.