54.87.17.177

2020 Numerical models of lower crustal flow explain Yellowstone's "tectonic parabola"

Category

Webinars

Published on

Description

Several hypotheses exist for the origin of the seismically active region of high topography surrounding the Yellowstone hotspot track. Among these is the idea that a dense mid-crustal sill has driven viscous lower crust away from the hotspot track, producing crustal thinning/subsidence in the Snake River Plain, and corresponding inflation/uplift of the surrounding terrain.

Recent evidence of azimuthally-aligned seismic anisotropy in the lower crust has led us to investigate the dynamics of lower crustal flow, and its role as a non-tectonic driver of localized epeirogeny. In this GIG webinar, I will describe ongoing work to quantify this mechanism, including an efficient numerical method for modeling lower crustal flow, and its potential application to geodynamic models.

Tags