1) The relationship between topographic evolution of Cenozoic mountain belts and climate. Here we use stable isotope records from intermontane basins to extract large-scale topographic growth of mountain belts. Field studies include the western US Cordillera, the Andes, and the Himalaya/Tibetan system.
2) The development of numerical models for chemical weathering in active mountain belts and application of these models to field areas. This research is directed toward understanding how chemical weathering, tectonics and climate are linked. Moreover we are also applying these models to modern ecosystems to examine how uplift and weathering of rocks influences forest growth. We are currently conducting this research in New Zealand, Hawaii, the Cascades and the southeastern margin of Tibet.
3) The Cenozoic climate change of western U.S. We are constructing long-term terrestrial climate records of the western U.S., with emphasis on times when carbon dioxide was considerably higher than present. These studies are directed toward how the western U.S. has responded in the past to warmer conditions and how it might, therefore, respond in the future.
