122 From the Cosmos and Back: Quantifying Processes and Rates of Landscape Change
This session explores how methods such as cosmogenic nuclides, apatite (U-Th)/He thermochronometry, U-series geochemistry, luminescence, and chemical mass balances quantify relationships between climate, tectonics, and erosion.
Monday, 20 October 2025
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
HBGCC, 212AB
Quantifying Geomorphic Processes and Rates of Landscape Evolution
Paper number: 122-1
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 1:40 PM – 1:55 PM
Authors
Abstract
I provide a bit of a retrospective and reflective perspective on using cosmogenic nuclides in combination with numerical modeling to pursue the objectives noted in the title, which is also the title of this session. I focus on using cosmogenic nuclides, both radiogenic (10Be and 26Al) and stable (21Ne), because these are the tools I’m most familiar with. I illustrate their utility with studies from across tectonic and climatic regimes. Over the past 30 years the use of these nuclides has expanded so widely that it is now difficult to keep track of all the studies pursuing the objectives of the title, so I focus on the studies of the studies of my research groups. We have worked across tectonic and climatic extremes quantifying processes and rates and learned a great deal. There are caveats and assumptions that are critical to be aware of and neglecting these can easily lead to misinterpretations. I provide some examples of these as well. There are also many profound conclusions that can be drawn thanks to such quantifications. I touch upon a few of these from both tectonically active and quiescent landscapes. Bottom line, we’ve learned a great deal thanks to targeted use of cosmogenic nuclides in quantifying how landscapes evolve and if we keep their limitations in mind we will continue to expand our understanding of Earth’s surface.
Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6
doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-412566
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