Geomorphic limits to climate-induced increases in topographic relief

Recognition of the potential for strong dynamic coupling between atmospheri c and tectonic processes has sparked intense cross-disciplinary investigati on and debate on the question of whether tectonics have driven long-term cl imate change or vice versa. It has been proposed that climate change might have driven the uplift of mountain summits through an isostatic response to valley incision. Because isostasy acts to compensate mean elevations, the debate hinges on the question of whether climate change can significantly i ncrease topographic relief or, more precisely, increase the volume of 'miss ing mass' between summits and ridges. Here we Shaw that, in tectonically ac tive mountain ranges, geomorphic constraints allow only a relatively small increase in topographic relief in response to climate change. Thus, althoug h climate change may cause significant increases in denudation rates, poten tially establishing an important feedback between surficial and crustal pro cesses, neither fluvial nor glacial erosion is likely to induce significant isostatic peak uplift.