In several collisional orogens, uplift of large areas has accompanied tectonism, forming large plateaus of anomalously high elevation. The classic modern example is the 5,000 in Tibetan Plateau, one of the most extraordinary irregularities of the earth's surface. Recent modeling has underscored the importance of understanding the uplift history of these plateaus both in understanding the fundamental tectonic mechanics involved and in understanding how these uplifts affect atmospheric circulation patterns, erosion and other derivative parameters. This project will employ the altitude-controlled production of 36C1 of surfaces and radiometric dating of volcanic flows to constrain the uplift history of the Tibetan Plateau. Results, if successful, will be invaluable in both understanding the formation of this plateau and in testing general orogenic models.
