Mantle forcing of Earth surface evolution in Europe and the Mediterranean: From Past to Present

Surface deformation, in particular topography evolution, results from a complex coupled dynamic system in which mantle processes (e.g. global mantle currents, plate subduction and collision) interact with surface processes (e.g. erosion, sedimentation, se a-level change, or (de)glaciation). The impact of mantle processes on surface deformation is perhaps conceptually well understood but largely lacks thorough quantification. As a result, it is in many cases impossible to discriminate between mantle-induced and surfaceinduced contributions to surface deformation. Valuable observations of vertical surface motions can often not be equivocally interpreted unless basic assumptions, such as isostasy, are being invoked (e.g. observations of glacial isostatic rebo und, vertical motions in orogens, in sedimentary basins, and in subduction zones, of large continental regions and of sea level change). Any progress in understanding present-day topography and topography evolution, and progress in making correct interpre tations of valuable surface observables requires quantification of real-Earth mantle dynamics and of the surface response. The European-Mediterranean region is a well-studied natural laboratory for which this progress can now be made and this is what our CRP aims at.