5. Conclusions

A prime objective for integrated Solid-Earth science is the development of scientific models for the reconstruction and forecasting of coupled deep Earth and surface processes. TOPO-EUROPE is promoting the simultaneous development of new concepts, advanced analytical techniques and the continued expansion of research avenues for computer simulation of complex geosystems. TOPO-EUROPE will open hitherto unparalleled opportunities to quantify and validate the controls on mans natural environment on the Earth’s surface.

Major advances have been made in seismological methods to obtain information on the 4D structure of the mantle and the lithosphere, in the quantitative understanding of lithospheric processes, as well as in the recognition of the key role of quantitative sedimentary basin analysis in connecting the temporal and spatial evolution of the system Earth. Similar breakthroughs have been made by 3D seismic imaging and inversion in the spatial resolution of structural controls on the architecture of the lithosphere and its deformation processes. Modelling of dynamic topography and landform evolution is reaching a stage at which a full coupling can be established between erosion and sediment supply to sedimentary basins at different spatial and temporal scales. A quantitative understanding of crustal and sub-crustal deformation, sediment transport and climate are prerequisites for progress in integrated Solid-Earth System Dynamics. This research area bridges currently separated approaches addressing high-resolution time scales for a limited near-surface record in the Quaternary and the long-term and large-scale approaches characteristic for lithospheric-scale and basin-wide studies. Integration of these fields is a must, also considering the accumulating evidence for a feedback between lithospheric and surface processes.

Since its launching in fall 2005 TOPO-EUROPE has started to promote, coordinate and integrate national research programmes addressing the coupling between Solid-Earth and surface processes and its implications to continental topography development into a coherent European network. TOPO-EUROPE’s natural laboratories provide a set of world-class opportunities to probe and quantify the entire range of plate interaction processes affecting topography in the context of presently active dynamic processes. In these areas we can obtain the highest possible resolution required to discriminate between inner and outer Earth processes, and to quantify the coupling between Solid-Earth and surface processes. The selected natural laboratories offer unique key study areas for developing a new generation of models explaining the dynamics of ongoing deformation of the lithosphere and its repercussions on continental topography. Other natural laboratories may be selected as the project advances. These will be chosen based on their merits.