Luminescence Thermochronometry: Investigating the Link between Mountain Erosion, Tectonics and Climate

Luminescence thermochronometry is a recently developed method that can constrain erosion histories at sub-Quaternary timescales. Luminescence thermochronometry determines the timing and rate at which electrons are trapped and thermally released in minerals, in response to in situ radiation and rock cooling. Erosion histories can be inferred by translating rock cooling rates into an erosion rate using knowledge of the Earth’s thermal field. In this article, we use examples of luminescence thermochronometry applied to the Himalaya mountains, the New Zealand Alps and the Japanese Alps to infer (and link together) wider aspects of regional erosion, climate and tectonic activity.