Earth's landscape evolution is shaped by the dynamic interplay of tectonics, climate, and surface processes, with added complexity due to differences between cratonic and orogenic lithospheres. Additionally, the properties of the crystalline basement are greatly affected by fault activity, hydrothermal alteration, and long-term exposure to superficial conditions.
Thermochronology is essential for understanding thermal evolution and paleogeography by quantifying cooling, exhumation, and weathering trends in various crustal environments. Recent developments in thermochronology, including 40Ar/39Ar, fission tracks, Raman dating, (U-Th)/He, 4He/3He, trapped charge systems, as well as complementary isotopic methods like K-Ar dating of clay weathering products and U-Pb carbonate dating, have provided additional constraints. Computational tools and remote sensing methods further contribute to this interdisciplinary approach. While this integrated approach enables the development of robust tectonic and landscape-evolution models, these advancements also underscore the existing limitations in our understanding of these systems and their quantification, emphasizing the need for thorough comprehension.
We invite contributions that: (1) present theoretical and experimental work establishing new thermochronometers, developing novel quantification and modeling approaches, or enhancing our understanding of current systems' abilities and limitations for reliable geological interpretation; and (2) address bedrock deep-time evolution, elucidate the timing and rates of processes shaping Earth's surface (e.g., burial/exhumation, faulting, hydrothermalism, weathering), and the interplay of cooling, exhumation, and alteration events using interdisciplinary approaches such as thermochronology, geochronology, geomorphology, tectonics, geochemistry, and mineralogy.