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Inverse altitude effect disputes the theoretical foundation of stable isotope paleoaltimetry

Author

Listed:
  • Zhaowei Jing

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Pilot National Laboratory of Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao)
    Ocean University of China)

  • Wusheng Yu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Stephen Lewis

    (James Cook University)

  • Lonnie G. Thompson

    (The Ohio State University)

  • Jie Xu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jingyi Zhang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Baiqing Xu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Guangjian Wu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yaoming Ma

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yong Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Rong Guo

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

Stable isotope paleoaltimetry that reconstructs paleoelevation requires stable isotope (δD or δ18O) values to follow the altitude effect. Some studies found that the δD or δ18O values of surface isotopic carriers in some regions increase with increasing altitude, which is defined as an “inverse altitude effect” (IAE). The IAE directly contradicts the basic theory of stable isotope paleoaltimetry. However, the causes of the IAE remain unclear. Here, we explore the mechanisms of the IAE from an atmospheric circulation perspective using δD in water vapor on a global scale. We find that two processes cause the IAE: (1) the supply of moisture with higher isotopic values from distant source regions, and (2) intense lateral mixing between the lower and mid-troposphere along the moisture transport pathway. Therefore, we caution that the influences of those two processes need careful consideration for different mountain uplift stages before using stable isotope palaeoaltimetry.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhaowei Jing & Wusheng Yu & Stephen Lewis & Lonnie G. Thompson & Jie Xu & Jingyi Zhang & Baiqing Xu & Guangjian Wu & Yaoming Ma & Yong Wang & Rong Guo, 2022. "Inverse altitude effect disputes the theoretical foundation of stable isotope paleoaltimetry," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-32172-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32172-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John Worden & David Noone & Kevin Bowman, 2007. "Importance of rain evaporation and continental convection in the tropical water cycle," Nature, Nature, vol. 445(7127), pages 528-532, February.
    2. David B. Rowley & Brian S. Currie, 2006. "Palaeo-altimetry of the late Eocene to Miocene Lunpola basin, central Tibet," Nature, Nature, vol. 439(7077), pages 677-681, February.
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