Feedback between mountain belt growth and plate convergence

Abstract

Research Article| October 01, 2006 Feedback between mountain belt growth and plate convergence Giampiero Iaffaldano; Giampiero Iaffaldano 1Section of Geophysics, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich 80539, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Hans-Peter Bunge; Hans-Peter Bunge 1Section of Geophysics, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich 80539, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Timothy H. Dixon Timothy H. Dixon 2Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, Florida 33149, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2006) 34 (10): 893–896. https://doi.org/10.1130/G22661.1 Article history received: 29 Jan 2006 rev-recd: 07 May 2006 accepted: 18 May 2006 first online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share MailTo Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Giampiero Iaffaldano, Hans-Peter Bunge, Timothy H. Dixon; Feedback between mountain belt growth and plate convergence. Geology 2006;; 34 (10): 893–896. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G22661.1 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 While it is generally assumed that global plate motions are driven by the pattern of convection in the Earth's mantle, the details of that link remain obscure. Bouyancy forces associated with subduction of cool, dense lithosphere at zones of plate convergence are thought to provide significant driving force, but the relative magnitudes of other driving and resisting forces are less clear, as are the main factors controlling long-term changes in plate motion. The ability to consider past as well as present plate motions provides significant additional constraints, because changes in plate motion are necessarily driven by changes in one or more driving or resisting forces, which may be inferred from independent data. Here we present for the first time a model that explicitly links global mantle convection and lithosphere models to infer plate motion changes as far back as Miocene time. By accurately predicting observed convergence rates over the past 10 m.y., we demonstrate that surface topography generated at convergent margins is a key factor controlling the long-term evolution of plate motion. Specifically, the topographic load of large mountain belts and plateaus consumes a significant amount of the driving force available for plate tectonics by increasing frictional forces between downgoing and overriding plates. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.