Anatolia is an important epicenter for documenting the timing of major faunal dispersion on Earth following establishment of the “Gomphotherium landbridge” that occurred millions of years ago. Faunal migration included emigration of hominoids from Africa to Eurasia. However, there is a delay of at least 2 Million Years (Myr) and possibly up to 6 Myr between establishment of the landbridge and dispersal of hominoids to central Anatolia. High elevations in western Anatolia may explain this delay in faunal dispersion, as mountain ranges, like the oceanic passages that precede landbridges, pose formidable barriers to faunal dispersion. In this study, scientists will combine datasets of Earth's crust (structural analysis, thermochronology, crustal thickness) with surface expression (basin evolution and surface elevation) to document how the formation of mountains may have potentially impacted faunal migration. This project endeavors to establish and strengthen international partnerships among four institutions in the USA, Canada, and Türkiye where field work will be conducted. The project will collectively contribute to the academic growth and training of several graduate and undergraduate students including through engagement in workshops and joint field trips that combine expertise from each institution. Results from this multidisciplinary research will cover a wide range of spatial and temporal scales necessary to link crustal and basin processes to their surficial, environme