Testing Models of Cenozoic Exhumation in the Western Greater Caucasus

The Western Greater Caucasus, part of the Arabia-Eurasia collision zone, exhibits abrupt variations in Cenozoic exhumation and cooling rates. Research confirms that rapid Late Miocene to Pliocene cooling, particularly east of Mount Elbrus, correlates with mantle-sourced magmatism rather than tectonic shortening. While total exhumation was limited (5–7 km), differential cooling suggests lithospheric heterogeneities—possibly linked to crustal structures like the Stavropol High—modulate uplift and erosion over shorter wavelengths. This challenges traditional models, implying similar patterns may occur in other mountain belts globally.

Vincent, S. J., Somin, M. L., Carter, A., Vezzoli, G., Fox, M., & Vautravers, B. (2020). Testing Models of Cenozoic Exhumation in the Western Greater Caucasus. Tectonics, 39(2). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018tc005451