Model for tectonically driven incision of the younger than 6 Ma Grand Canyon

Abstract

Research Article| November 01, 2008 Model for tectonically driven incision of the younger than 6 Ma Grand Canyon Karl E. Karlstrom; Karl E. Karlstrom * 11Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, USA *E-mail: kek1@unm.edu. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Ryan Crow; Ryan Crow 11Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar L.J. Crossey; L.J. Crossey 11Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar D. Coblentz; D. Coblentz 22Geodynamics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, 87545, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar J. W. Van Wijk J. W. Van Wijk 22Geodynamics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, 87545, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2008) 36 (11): 835–838. https://doi.org/10.1130/G25032A.1 Article history received: 14 Apr 2008 rev-recd: 15 Jul 2008 accepted: 16 Jul 2008 first online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Karl E. Karlstrom, Ryan Crow, L.J. Crossey, D. Coblentz, J. W. Van Wijk; Model for tectonically driven incision of the younger than 6 Ma Grand Canyon. Geology 2008;; 36 (11): 835–838. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G25032A.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 Accurate models for the incision of the Grand Canyon must include characterization of tectonic influences on incision dynamics such as active faulting and mantle to surface fluid interconnections. These young tectonic features support other geologic data that indicate that the Grand Canyon has been carved in the past 6 Ma. New U-Pb dates on speleothems are reinterpreted here in terms of improved geologic constraints and understanding of the modern aquifer. The combined data suggest that Grand Canyon incision rates have been relatively steady since 3–4 Ma. Differences in rates in the eastern (175–250 m/Ma) and western (50–80 m/Ma) Grand Canyon are explained by Neogene fault block uplift across the Toroweap-Hurricane system. Mantle tomography shows an abrupt step in mantle velocities near the Colorado Plateau edge, and geodynamic modeling suggests that upwelling asthenosphere is driving uplift of the Colorado Plateau margin relative to the Basin and Range. Our model for dynamic surface uplift in the past 6 Ma contrasts with the notion of passive incision of the Grand Canyon due solely to river integration and geomorphic response to base-level fall. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.