Opportunities and Challenges for Paleoaltimetry in “Small” Orogens: Insights From the European Alps
Svetlana Botsyun, Todd A. Ehlers, Sebastian G. Mutz, Katharina Methner, Emilija Krsnik, Andreas Mulch
Abstract
Abstract Many stable isotope paleoaltimetry studies have focused on paleoelevation reconstructions of orogenic plateaus such as the Tibetan or Andean Plateaus. We address the opportunities and challenges of applying stable isotope paleoaltimetry to “smaller” orogens. We do this using a high‐resolution isotope tracking general circulation model (ECHAM5‐wiso) and explore the precipitation δ 18 O (δ 18 O p ) signal of Cenozoic paleoclimate and topographic change in the European Alps. Results predict a maximum δ 18 O p change of 4–5‰ (relative to present day) during topographic development of the Alps. This signal of topographic change has the same magnitude as changes in δ 18 O p values resulting from Pliocene and Last Glacial Maximum global climatic change. Despite the similar magnitude of the isotopic signals resulting from topographic and paleoclimate changes, their spatial patterns across central Europe differ. Our results suggest that an integration of paleoclimate modeling, multiproxy approaches, and low‐elevation reference proxy records distal from an orogen improve topographic reconstructions.