Mechanical model for the tectonics of doubly vergent compressional orogens

Abstract

Research Article| April 01, 1993 Mechanical model for the tectonics of doubly vergent compressional orogens Sean Willett; Sean Willett 1Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Christopher Beaumont; Christopher Beaumont 1Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Philippe Fullsack Philippe Fullsack 1Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1993) 21 (4): 371–374. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1993)021<0371:MMFTTO>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Sean Willett, Christopher Beaumont, Philippe Fullsack; Mechanical model for the tectonics of doubly vergent compressional orogens. Geology 1993;; 21 (4): 371–374. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1993)021<0371:MMFTTO>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract A mechanical model of crustal shortening and deformation driven by the relative convergence of rigid, underlying mantle plates explains many features of convergent orogens. Results based on numerical models and supported by sandbox models show that a Coulomb crustal layer subject to basal velocity boundary conditions corresponding to asymmetric detachment and subduction of the underlying mantle passes through three stages of orogenic growth: (1) block uplift bounded by step-up shear zones; (2) development of a low-taper wedge over the underthrusting mantle plate; and (3) development of a low-taperwedge overlying the overthrusting mantle plate and verging in the opposite direction. When modified by isostasy, basal viscous flow, surface erosion and denudation, and sedimentation, the resultant model orogens exhibit a variety of styles with characteristics in common with small, rapidly denuded orogens, large orogens with plateaus and extensional characteristics, and active subduction margins with doubly vergent accretionary wedges and deformed fore-arc basins. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.