Circum-Pacific mid-Cretaceous deformation and uplift: A superplume-related event?

Evidence of short-lived episodes of mid-Cretaceous deformation, metamorphism, uplift, and hiatus in sedimentation is widespread in the Lower Cretaceous rocks that bordered the Cretaceous Pacific basin. I present a model in which these coeval but widely spaced events are linked to increased ridge-push force at subduction zones triggered by large-scale upwelling of mantle associated with the mid-Cretaceous superplume. This model can account for mid-Cretaceous terrane accretion and ophiolite obduction events and can explain brief compressional phases in predominantly extensional orogenies as recognized in Alaska, British Columbia, California, western South America, and West Antarctica.

Details

Publication status:
Published
Author(s):
Authors: Vaughan, Alan P.M.

Date:
1 January, 1995
Journal/Source:
Geology / 23
Page(s):
491-494
Link to published article:
https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1995)023<0491:CPMCDA>2.3.CO;2