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The role of crustal quartz in controlling Cordilleran deformation

Author

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  • Anthony R. Lowry

    (Utah State University)

  • Marta Pérez-Gussinyé

    (Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK)

Abstract

The seeds of tectonic weakness A long-standing mystery in plate tectonics is why certain zones of apparent weakness develop as recurrent locations for dramatic geological activity. Or put more simply, why are mountain ranges where they are? Anthony Lowry and Marta Pérez-Gussinyé show that the abundance of crustal quartz, the weakest mineral in continental rocks, may be a major factor. Using seismic receiver functions, gravity and surface heat flow measurements, they estimate the thickness and seismic velocity ratio (VP/VS) of the continental crust in the western United States. They find a surprising correlation between low crustal VP/VS ratios and both higher lithospheric temperature and Cordilleran deformation. From this they infer that the abundance of crustal quartz may lead to a feedback mechanism that strongly influences continental temperature and deformation.

Suggested Citation

  • Anthony R. Lowry & Marta Pérez-Gussinyé, 2011. "The role of crustal quartz in controlling Cordilleran deformation," Nature, Nature, vol. 471(7338), pages 353-357, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:471:y:2011:i:7338:d:10.1038_nature09912
    DOI: 10.1038/nature09912
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