Low variability runoff inhibits coupling of climate, tectonics, and topography in the Greater Caucasus

Hypothesized feedbacks between climate and tectonics are mediated by the relationship topography long-term erosion rates. While many studies show monotonic relationships channel steepness rates, degree of nonlinearity in this varies landscape. Mechanistically explaining controls on natural settings is critical because highly nonlinear imply low sensitivity tectonics. To end, we present a coordinated analysis cosmogenic 10Be concentrations river sands paired with topographic, hydroclimatic, tectonic data for Greater Caucasus Mountains where invariant along-strike despite large gradients modern precipitation convergence We that spatial patterns rates largely reflect regional little to mean or runoff. The rate – may arise from very runoff variability, which attribute contribution snowmelt. Transitioning rainfall- snowmelt-driven as elevation increases common mid-latitude mountain ranges. associated decrease variability represent important, unrecognized dynamics inhibiting more broadly.