Collaborative research: paleoaltimetry of the south-central tibetan plateau using triple oxygen isotope measurements

The National Science Foundation Division of Earth Sciences awarded $160,564 to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte on September 1, 2026, under the Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050) to conduct paleoaltimetry research on the south-central Tibetan Plateau using triple oxygen isotope measurements.

The project will develop and apply a newly developed triple oxygen isotope paleoaltimeter to determine pre- and post-India-Asia collision paleoelevations of the southern Tibetan and Himalayan crystalline core and link those estimates to basins in central Tibet. The research tests two linked hypotheses: that southern Tibet was a high-standing region prior to India-Asia collision with a complicated uplift history reflecting tectonic drivers including extension, low-angle subduction of oceanic lithosphere, and acceleration of convergence rates; and that the Tibetan Plateau was a high-relief area well into the Late Paleogene. Triple oxygen isotope analysis will permit determination of paleoelevations in crystalline rock and compensate for evaporation and diagenesis in basinal sediments. The project supports graduate student training and K-12 classroom and intern outreach programs.

Performance occurs at Charlotte, NC 28223. The period of performance runs from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029. This is a Project Grant under the Geosciences program, which funds basic research to strengthen the national scientific enterprise through expanded fundamental knowledge and understanding of the integrated Earth system.

Abstract

The tibetan plateau and the himalayan mountains form the largest and highest mountain system on earth. Knowing when and how this landscape formed helps researchers understand plate tectonics, global environmental change, and biodiversity. Scientists have studied these mountains for decades. Yet, past results often contradict one another, leaving big gaps in our knowledge. This project uses a new method that measures three distinct forms of oxygen in rocks and minerals to find ancient heights. By studying samples from mountain cores and nearby low basins, researchers can see how high the land was millions of years ago. The main goal is to find the exact height of southern tibet both before and after india collided with asia. This work will help improve global climate models and resolve long-standing debates. Finally, the project supports society by funding graduate student training and providing science outreach programs for local K-12 classrooms and interns. To achieve these goals, this research utilizes a newly developed triple oxygen isotope paleoaltimeter to determine the pre- and post-india-asia paleoelevations of the southern part of the tibetan/himalayan system and link these estimates to basins in central tibet. The project will focus on triple oxygen isotopes because they allow the determination of paleoelevations of the crystalline core of mountain belts, and they can be used to assess and compensate for evaporation and diagenesis in basinal sediments. The proposed research will test two linked hypotheses: first, southern tibet was a high-standing region prior to collision and had a complicated uplift history reflecting its tectonic drivers, such as extension (RIFTING), low-angle subduction of oceanic lithosphere, and/or acceleration of convergence rates. Second, the tibetan plateau was a high-relief area well into the late paleogene and transitioned into a low-relief yet high plateau in the neogene. To test these hypotheses, six fossil hydrothermal systems from southern tibet have been targeted: three pre-collisional sites (cretaceous to paleogene) and three post-collisional sites (oligocene to miocene), the latter of which will be compared directly to triple isotope results from coeval basinal sediments in central tibet. This work leverages an international team with extensive experience in triple oxygen isotope analyses, field and geochemical studies of tibetan basins, and paleoelevation and paleoclimate analysis. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.