Erosion and asymmetric relief evolution of the Central Asian Pamir Plateau

大陆高原构成了地球表面的一级地形特征，确定了气候，生态甚至文化的基本模式。了解触发高原演化的过程是了解构造、气候和侵蚀之间动态联系的基础。然而，其关系仍然难以捉摸。我建议研究中亚帕米尔高原隆升和折返的时空变化。我想测试，如果高原的演变只受构造和地壳深部过程触发隆起，地形和地貌演变，或者，如果长期侵蚀梯度发挥了一阶作用，修改高原的演变解剖其西部和中部的部门。例如，尚不清楚上新世/第四纪期间气候增强的侵蚀是否导致了今天所观察到的帕米尔高原西部和中部之间的地形不对称。我提出了一个集成的多个低温thermochronometers，和热动力学模型来测试两个有争议的假说有关高原的演变。我将测试，如果不对称的地形起伏之间的西部和中部帕米尔之间的演变（1）突然的快速切割的结果，在过去的3 Ma，或者，（2）连续的，因为高原最初隆起的某个时候在20和10 Ma之间。与~30个新的锆石和磷灰石（U-Th-Sm）/He，磷灰石裂变径迹冷却年龄，分别延伸到两个E-W横向定向垂直于强气候梯度，我将限制在地质时间尺度的折返的空间和时间变化。因此，三维热动力学模型将模拟热，结构和侵蚀的端元情景，测试不同的高原演化历史的演变。

Continental plateaus constitute first-order topographic features of Earth’s surface that set basic patterns of climate, ecology, and even culture. Understanding the processes triggering the evolution of plateaus is fundamental to understand the dynamic link between tectonics, climate, and erosion. However, its relationship remains elusive. I propose to study spatial-temporal variations in the plateau uplift and exhumation of the Central Asian Pamir. I want to test, if plateau evolution is only controlled by tectonic and deep crustal processes triggering uplift, topography and relief evolution, or, alternatively, if long-term erosion gradients have played a first-order role in modifying the plateau evolution by dissecting its western and central sectors. For example, it is unknown if climate-enhanced erosion during Pliocene/Quaternary time has caused the relief asymmetry between the western and central compartments of the Pamir plateau as observed today. I propose an integration of multiple low-temperature thermochronometers, and thermo-kinematic models to test two controversial hypotheses related to plateau evolution. I will test, if asymmetry in topographic relief between the western and central Pamir evolved (1) abruptly as a result of rapid incision over the last ~3 Ma, or, alternatively, (2) continuously since the plateau was initially uplifted sometime between 20 and 10 Ma. With ~30 new zircon and apatite (U-Th-Sm)/He, apatite fission-track cooling ages, respectively, extending over two E-W traverses oriented perpendicular to strong climate gradients, I will constrain the spatial and temporal variations in exhumation over geologic timescales. Thereby 3D thermo-kinematic models will simulate the thermal, structural, and erosional evolution of end-member scenarios that test for different plateau evolution histories.