Speaker: V.K. Pedersen, Aarhus University, Denmark
Title: The influence of Quaternary erosion and deposition on solid Earth deformation, ice sheets, and sea level
Time: Wednesday, Oct 29 at 12:00pm PST
Location: EMS B210
Abstract: For decades, scientists have studied the interactions between ice sheets, the solid Earth, and sea level. However, the role of surface processes – such as erosion and deposition – has received less attention in this context. This is likely because these processes typically operate over timescales much longer than a single glacial-interglacial cycle. Yet, erosion and deposition will also cause deformation of the solid Earth, like glacial isostatic adjustment. And while their effects unfold over longer time periods, these surface processes result in permanent isostatic changes that can accumulate over time.
In this talk, I will focus on the influence of glacial erosion and deposition on solid Earth deformation and sea level, using Scandinavia as a case study. Studying these processes in a glacial setting like Scandinavia is especially valuable, not only because erosion and deposition often occur at high rates in such environments, but also because the resulting changes in sea level can influence ice-sheet dynamics and stability. Key questions include: 1) how can we quantify erosion and deposition in this region over Quaternary timescales and across individual glacial-interglacial cycles? 2) What do these estimates tell us about Quaternary landscape evolution and the erosive behavior of ice sheets? And 3) what regional relative sea-level changes can we expect from these processes?
Finally, if time permits, I would like to step back and consider the global perspective – specifically, how Earth’s topography influences global sea level. In particular, I want to explore what Earth’s hypsometry may reveal about global sea-level changes over millennial timescales.
This seminar series is supported by the Casey Moore Fund.