Rift linkage and inheritance determine collisional mountain belt evolution

Many mountain belts - such as the Pyrenees, European Alps, Greater Caucasus, or Atlas - form through inversion of pre-collisional extensional basins. These orogens exhibit three-dimensional complexity, with along-strike variations in topography, orientation, and deformation patterns. Yet, the relationship between these characteristics and the inherited extensional architecture remains enigmatic. Here, we use 3D geodynamic models coupled to a landscape evolution model to investigate how pre-collisional rift-linkage controls rift inversion and mountain belt evolution. Our results show that initial mountain belt structure reflects the inherited basin geometry, while later growth is governed by subduction polarity. This polarity depends on the magnitude of basin offset and the presence of pre-existing structural weaknesses. Comparison with natural examples suggests that along-strike variations observed in the Greater Caucasus, Atlas, and Pyrenees can be explained by the inversion of segmented and offset rift basins. Building on these insights, we propose a simple diagnostic framework that establishes a direct link between topography and deep lithospheric structures, showing how extensional inheritance influences mountain building on Earth.