Climatic and tectonic processes couple, but under what circumstances and what are the effects? 

By combining expertise in low-temperature thermochronology and 2D analogue bivergent wedge modelling, we aim to investigate the spatial and temporal conditions necessary for an effective coupling between climate, erosion and tectonics in orogenic wedges in general and the European Alps in particular. 

Our objectives are to: 

• (A) constrain the onset and duration of the latest Miocene /early Pliocene exhumation event in the pro-wedge of the Alps
• (B) identify the (re)actived major thrust faults in the pro-wedge for this time period
• (C) explore the combined effect of tectonic and climate-induced variabilities in exhumation and tectonic activity for orogenic wedges on a temporal and spatial scale
• (D) investigate the general response time between erosion and thrust fault (re-)activation.