Evolution of Earth's large-scale topography in the Cenozoic

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The scoping study will bring together experts in geophysical observations of topography, geological proxiesof subsidence, uplift and paleoaltimetry, lithospheric mechanics, computational fluid dynamics, seismologyand mineral physics, to produce an action plan for a directed expenditure that will allow us to determineEarth's topography and bathymetry for the last 60 My - and set the boundary conditions for understandingthe long-term carbon cycle, changes in sea-level and large past climatic extremes.A strategic program is necessary in order to weave these threads together in the form of a comprehensivemodel of long-wavelength topography and its driving forces over the Cenozoic. Ties between communitiesthat do not normally interact strongly must be forged: between those with expertise in the shallowest crustand the deepest mantle, and between those with expertise in observational data and dynamical modeling. Inorder to make progress sustained effort must be devoted to bringing together observational constraints onpaleotopography from the geologic record and models of whole mantle structure and circulation. Among thefundamental challenges to be overcome are the large range of length scales involved, from that of sedimentarybasins to that of tectonic plates, and the large range of time scales, from that of river incision to platerearrangements.