The CAIRN method: Automated, reproducible calculation of catchment-averaged denudation rates from cosmogenic radionuclide concentrations
Abstract
Abstract. The use of cosmogenic radionuclides to calculate catchment-averaged denudation rates has become a widely adopted technique in the last two decades, yet the methodology varies between studies and is not always reproducible. We report a new program for calculating catchment-averaged denudation rates from cosmogenic radionuclide concentrations. The method (Catchment-Averaged denudatIon Rates from cosmogenic Nuclides: CAIRN) bundles previously reported production scaling and topographic shielding algorithms. In addition, it calculates production and shielding on a pixel-by-pixel basis. We explore the sampling frequency across both azimuth (Δθ) and altitude (Δφ) angles for topographic shielding and show that in high relief terrain a relatively high sampling frequency is required, with a good balance achieved between accuracy and computational expense at Δθ = 8° and Δφ = 5°. The method includes both internal and external uncertainty analysis, and is packaged in freely available software in order to facilitate easily reproducible denudation rate estimates. CAIRN calculates denudation rates but also automates catchment averaging of shielding and production, and thus can be used to provide reproducible input parameters for the CRONUS family of online calculators.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Apr 19, 2016
- Source ID
- 10.5194/esurf-2016-18
Entities
People
- Marie-alice Harel
- Martin Hurst
- Shasta M. Marrero
- Simon M. Mudd
- Stuart W D Grieve
Organizations
- Army Research Office
- Natural Environment Research Council