Miocene Surface Temperature Estimates of the Southern Altiplano and Their Implications for Surface Uplift

Surface temperature estimates derived from stable isotopes can be used to infer tectonic history and subsequent climate change of the Bolivian Altiplano. This study compares surface temperatures calculated from two fossil localities (Cerdas and Quehua) that span middle to late Miocene age in the southern Altiplano. Temperatures were calculated using the approach of Zanazzi et al. (2007) by comparing the stable isotopes of fossil tooth enamel and concurrent fossilized bones. The δ18O of the surface water is derived from fossil tooth enamel that mineralized at a known mammal body temperature. Surface water compositions are then used to calculate the temperature at which fossil bones were diagenetically altered, using the assumption that most alteration of fossil bones occurs within 20 to 50 thousand years of deposition. These surface temperature estimates can be used as a proxy for the amount of surface uplift based on modern temperature lapse rates. The vertical surface temperature gradient observed in the present-day Andes is about 4.66°C/km. Changes in surface elevations may explain large temperature changes reflected throughout the middle to late Miocene. Cerdas and Quehua, at modern elevations of ~3800m, have fossil records that include teeth and diagenetically altered bones that were deposited before and during a period of inferred rapid surface uplift of the northern Altiplano of 2.5 ± 1 km between ~10 to 6 Ma. Both sites have been dated by magnetostratigraphy and by 40Ar/39Ar dating of tuffs: Cerdas dates from 16.358 ± 0.071 to 15.105 ± 0.073 Ma, and Quehua ranges from 12.611 ± 0.034 to 6.844 ± 0.386 Ma. The close proximity and current elevation of Cerdas (21.9°S, 3800m) and Quehua (20.0°S, 3800m) allows for the assumption that their elevations were closely correlated through time. Thus the temperatures and elevation estimates derived from each location are assumed to reflect the larger extent of the southern Altiplano. If analysis of fossil enamel and bone from these locations shows a significant temperature decrease from middle to late Miocene, this would support the hypothesis of rapid regional surface uplift of the Altiplano during the late Miocene due to loss of the dense lower crust and/or lithospheric mantle.