Extreme localized exhumation at syntaxes initiated by subduction geometry

Some of the highest and most localized rates of lithospheric deformation in the world are observed at the transition between adjacent plate boundary subduction segments. The initiating perturbation of this deformation has long been attributed to vigorous erosional processes as observed at Nanga Parbat and Namche Barwa in the Himalaya and at Mount St. Elias in Alaska. However, an erosion‐dominated mechanism ignores the 3‐D geometry of curved subducting plates. Here we present an alternative explanation for rapid exhumation at these locations based on the 3‐D thermomechanical evolution of collisions between plates with nonplanar geometries. Comparison of model predictions with existing data reproduces the defining characteristics of these mountains and offers an explanation for their spatial correlation with arc termini. These results demonstrate a “bottom‐up” tectonic rather than “top‐down” erosional initiation of feedbacks between erosion and tectonic deformation; hence, the importance of 3‐D subduction geometry. Key Points Three‐dimensional variations in subduction geometry can localize upper plate exhumationClimate‐tectonic coupling at orogens may be initiated by plate geometryModeled pattern and range of predicted cooling ages match observations