Scientific drilling for climate‐tectonic research in Southeast Asia

The tectonic evolution of the Earth's lithosphere affects the behavior and development of the planet's atmospheric and oceanographic systems, yet the nature of these interactions presently is understood only in outline. The Asian monsoon system, which sustains two‐thirds of humanity, appears to be one of the most dramatic examples of such interactions. However, it is unclear how much of its intensity is controlled by slow, solid Earth dynamics and how much is controlled by short‐term, potentially anthropogenically influenced processes. Climate models suggest a strong link between Tibetan altitude and the strength of the monsoon. Nevertheless, models that link mountain building and climate change largely are untested, even in this dramatic example. There is little agreement on the ages of either an intensified monsoon or the Tibetan Plateau, although a period eight million years ago (Ma) does appear to have been a time of increased wind strength and drying of Central Asia. Some researchers have suggested that this period also may have been a time of accelerated plateau growth. Moreover, the relative influence of tectonic versus orbital forcing on monsoon intensity is poorly understood.