TS4.3/CL1.1/GD2.5/GM5.5/MPRG8/SSP1.5

Eurasian Climate and Tectonics (co-organized)
Convener: Guillaume Dupont-Nivet  | Co-Conveners: Peter van der Beek , Hemmo Abels 
Oral Programme
 / Tue, 04 May, 15:30–17:00  / Room 32
Poster Programme
 / Attendance Tue, 04 May, 17:30–19:00  / Hall A

This session will gather scientists from trandisciplinary backgrounds (geodynamics, tectonics, climate modelling, thermochronology, stratigraphy, geochemistry, paleoclimatology, paleontology, geophysicists….) that are working to understand interactions between climate and tectonics in the ideal natural laboratory of Eurasia. The interplay between climate and tectonics in the context of Eurasian geodynamics and associated orogens (e.g. Alps, Zagros, Himalaya, Tibetan Plateau, Tian Shan, Gobi-Altai…) belong to the most significant and fascinating issues of Earth sciences. Major paleoenvironmental changes such as continental aridification and monsoon intensification are generally attributed to surface uplift and/or to land–sea redistributions (e.g. Paratethys retreat) associated with Eurasian tectonics (e.g. Indo-Asia collision). Moreover, global Cenozoic cooling with decreasing atmospheric CO2 levels has been attributed to erosion of the uplifting mountain ranges, following Tethyan subductions and the onset of continental collisions. On the other hand, recent findings suggest that monsoons and global climate have had a prevailing role in denudation rates shaping Eurasian orogens, in altering Asian environments and in triggering biotic events. These results challenge the geosciences community to establish unequivocal relationships between tectonism, global climate and major environmental changes in Eurasia.