Thermochronological evidence for a late Pliocene climate-induced erosion rate increase in the Alps |
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| Authors: | Antonio Pignalosa Massimiliano Zattin Matteo Massironi William Cavazza |
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| Institution: | (1) Department of Earth and Geo-Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 67, 40126 Bologna, Italy;(2) Department of Geosciences, University of Padova, Via Giotto 1, 35137 Padua, Italy |
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| Abstract: | (U–Th)/He and fission-track analyses of apatite along deep-seated tunnels crossing high-relief mountain ranges offer the opportunity
to investigate climate-tectonic forcing on topographic evolution. In this study, the thermochronologic analysis along the
Simplon tunnel (western-central Alps; Italy and Switzerland) constrains in detail the mechanisms controlling the topographic
evolution of the Simplon Massif. Cooling rates vary from about 10°C/Ma at about 10 Ma to about 35°C/Ma in the last 3 Ma. Such
increase in cooling rates corresponds to the inception of glacial cycles in the northern hemisphere. Age patterns show correlation
with faults distribution until 2 Ma, suggesting that tectonics-controlled rocks exhumed up to that age. After 2 Ma thermo-chronometric
data show that the Simplon area has experienced primarily erosional exhumation. All age patterns provided are not affected
by topographic effects, thus indicating that present-day topography has been carved in the last 2 Ma, most likely controlled
by glacial erosion. |
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