Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Modeling Atmosphere-Mountain Interactions: Implications For Stable Isotope-Based Paleoaltimetry, Lauren B. Wheeler

Earth and Planetary Sciences ETDs

The measure of surface uplift can provide an important constraint on the behavior of continental lithosphere and the underlying upper mantle. Isotope-based paleoaltimetry aims to quantitatively estimate the magnitude and timing of surface uplift from records of the isotopic composition of precipitation in order to provide constraints on the tectonic processes driving mountain building. As the surface of a topographic barrier increases in height, along the windward side, δ-values of precipitation should get progressively more negative, and on the leeside, δ-values of precipitation should also get progressively more negative based on the presence and development of a topographically-induced rain shadow. …