|
|||||
|
|
The Late Cenozoic uplift – climate change paradox |
|
| Authors: | William W Hay Emanuel Soeding Robert M DeConto Christopher N Wold |
| Institution: | GEOMAR, Wischhofstr. 1–3, 24148 Kiel, Germany, Department of Geosciences, Morrill Science Center, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003-5280, USA, Platte River Associates, 2790 Valmont Road, Boulder, CO 80304, USA, |
| Abstract: | The geologic evidence for worldwide uplift of mountain ranges in the Neogene is ambiguous. Estimates of paleoelevation vary, according to whether they are based on the characteristics of fossil floras, on the masses and grain sizes of eroded sediments, or on calculations of increased thickness of the lithosphere as a result of faulting. Detrital erosion rates can be increased both by increased relief in the drainage basin and by a change to more seasonal rainfall patterns. The geologic record provides no clear answer to the question whether uplift caused the climatic deterioration of the Neogene or whether the changing climate affected the erosion system in such a way as to create an illusion of uplift. We suggest that the spread of C4 plants in the Late Miocene may have altered both the erosion and climate systems. These changes are responsible for the apparent contradictions between data supporting uplift and those supporting high elevations in the past. |
| Keywords: | |
| 本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录！ | |