This is a merged session of GD5.3 and GD2.3. You find the descriptions of the two merged sessions below.

Session GD5.3

The evolution of mountain belts in space and time can only be understood if the behaviour of the entire lithosphere is considered. In this session we invite contributions where field observations from structural geology, metamorphic petrology and geochronology have led to the formulation of lithosphere scale models. Beside field-based contributions we also encourage contributions from numerical modelling that deal with dynamic aspects of mountain building using more global data sets, for example topographic information, stress field data, GPS data or data from active and passive source seismology for imaging of deeper lithospheric levels.

Solicited speakers:
John Suppe (National Taiwan University)
Gordon Lister (Australian National University)


Session G2.3

Paleosurfaces represent a unique tool to access the evolution of ancient continents since they (1) host the source material of basin deposits, (2) contribute to the study of global changes through its paleoweathering crusts, which formed at the interface with the past atmosphere, and (3) are created through continental uplift and subsidence driven by crustal geodynamics and plate tectonics.
However, the geological record of ancient land surfaces is usually limited, often fragmented by unconformities and scrambled by successive superimposed evolutions, leaving a patchwork of relict landforms and weathering products, discontinuous over time and space. Age constraints of basement paleosurfaces are mainly derived indirectly, via crosscutting relationships, and by correlation with remnants of preserved overburden or deposits in adjacent sedimentary basins.
Hence, the development and improvement of reliable age determination techniques adapted to continental paleosurfaces is essential for (1) correlating continental weathering features and landforms, stratigraphic sequences, geodynamic environments and climatic events in continental settings, (2) providing reference levels for thermal indications and thermochronological data, (3) compiling paleo¬geographic maps, and (4) providing constraints for lithospheric geodynamic models.
In this session we welcome contributions related to dating techniques as well as topics concerning paleoalterations, geodynamics and geomorphology. In particular we would like to encourage authors who apply multidisciplinary techniques and approaches.

Solicited speakers:
Peter van der Beek (University of Grenoble)
Anicet Beauvais (Univ. Aix-Marseille/CEREGE-IRD)