The relationship between surface kinematics and deformation of the whole lithosphere

Abstract

Research Article| August 01, 2012 The relationship between surface kinematics and deformation of the whole lithosphere L. Flesch; L. Flesch * 1Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Purdue University, 550 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2051, USA *E-mails: lmflesch@purdue.edu; Bendick@mso.umt.edu. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar R. Bendick R. Bendick * 2Department of Geosciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive #1296, Missoula, Montana 59812-1296, USA *E-mails: lmflesch@purdue.edu; Bendick@mso.umt.edu. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2012) 40 (8): 711–714. https://doi.org/10.1130/G33269.1 Article history received: 03 Feb 2012 accepted: 28 Feb 2012 first online: 09 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 L. Flesch, R. Bendick; The relationship between surface kinematics and deformation of the whole lithosphere. Geology 2012;; 40 (8): 711–714. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G33269.1 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 The variation of mechanical properties with depth in the lithosphere determines the relationship between surface deformation and whole-lithosphere deformation, hence between surface deformation and whole-lithosphere dynamics. Where viscosity (or elastic strength) is a continuous function with depth, surface deformation can be used to constrain both force balance and rheological parameters. Where viscosity is discontinuous, but the upper crust and mantle lithosphere have comparable maximum values, surface deformation can be used to approximate force balance and rheological parameters, but tradeoffs mean that estimates of stress and viscosity are effective equivalent values rather than actual values. Where viscosity is both discontinuous and differs by much more than an order of magnitude between the upper crust and mantle lithosphere, information about both force balance and rheology are absent from the surface deformation, so surface observations alone are insufficient to estimate either the dynamic or mechanical state of the lithosphere. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.