Award Abstract # 0908972
CAUGHT: Central Andean Uplift and the Geodynamics of High Topography

NSF Org: EAR
Division Of Earth Sciences
Recipient: THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
Initial Amendment Date: July 2, 2009
Latest Amendment Date: May 17, 2011
Award Number: 0908972
Award Instrument: Continuing Grant
Program Manager: Leonard E. Johnson
EAR
 Division Of Earth Sciences
GEO
 Directorate for Geosciences
Start Date: July 1, 2009
End Date: October 31, 2011 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $265,065.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $211,777.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2009 = $32,156.00
FY 2010 = $0.00

FY 2011 = $0.00
History of Investigator:
  • Nadine McQuarrie (Principal Investigator)
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: Princeton University
1 NASSAU HALL
PRINCETON
NJ  US  08544-2001
(609)258-3090
Sponsor Congressional District: 12
Primary Place of Performance: Princeton University
1 NASSAU HALL
PRINCETON
NJ  US  08544-2001
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
12
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): NJ1YPQXQG7U5
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s): CONTINENTAL DYNAMICS PROGRAM,
GEOINFORMATICS
Primary Program Source: 01000910DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
01001011DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT

01001112DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT

01001213DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
Program Reference Code(s): 0000, OTHR
Program Element Code(s): 158100, 725500
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.050

ABSTRACT

This is an ambitious project that has the potential to fill in important gaps in the overall picture of orogenesis in the central Andes, and of convergent-margin tectonism in general. The project is constructed around a well defined basic-science question, did the Andes rise in a rapid pulse, or did they rise gradually? Producing elevations and crustal thicknesses of the magnitude found in this study area remains a key problem in continental tectonics.

This question provides a foundation from which the PIs develop a variety of linked projects, including: 3-D structural analysis of fold-thrust belt shortening in the Andes, testing of new methods of paleo-elevation analysis, use of seismic studies to characterize the roots of the range (both in the deep crust and in the underlying mantle), creative use of petrologic and isotopic data to constrain thickened crust at times in the past. The project has the potential to address 3-D mass balance issues during orogeny, as well as the impact of a rising mountain belt on continent-scale weather systems. Of note, to put the analysis of orographic weather studies in context, the PIs will also undertake a broader paleo-climate study. All of the questions to be studied are current and important, and are of interest across traditional disciplinary boundaries and, the research strategy as outlined has a high potential to answer the questions that it poses.

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