Continental crustal volume, thickness and area, and their geodynamic implications

Crustal thickness constraints on the geodynamic evolution of the Galapagos Volcanic Province

We developed a simple quantitative framework based on crustal thickness estimations along the Carnegie, Cocos and Malpelo ridges, to place first-order constraints on the tectonic evolution of the Galapagos Volcanic Province and on the along-axis intensity of the Galapagos melt anomaly during the last 20 m.y. Our results suggest that the Cocos^ Nazca spreading centre has migrated northwards at 2...

Numerical Geodynamic Modeling of Continental Convergent Margins

Spatiotemporal Complexity of Continental Intraplate Seismicity: Insights from Geodynamic Modeling and Implications for Seismic Hazard Estimation

Continental intraplate seismicity seems often episodic, clustered, and migrating. The observed seismicity shows both spatial clustering in seismic zones and scattering across large plate interiors, temporal clustering followed by long periods of quiescence, and migration of seismicity from one seismic zone to another. Here, we explore the complex spatiotemporal patterns of intraplate seismicity...

A 3-D geodynamic model of lateral crustal flow

Although the Andes are believed to have resulted mainly from crustal shortening, the shortening history remains debated and appears to require lateral (along-strike) crustal flow. Three-dimensional viscous flow modeling shows that, within geological uncertainties, the Andes may have been produced by either Neogene shortening alone or with significant preNeogene shortening. These scenarios requi...

Simulations of crustal anatexis: Implications for the growth and differentiation of continental crust

There is overwhelming and incontrovertible petrological and geophysical evidence for the significant role played by mantle-derived mafic magma in the generation and growth of continental crust. Likewise, intrusion of mafic magmas beneath or into continental crust is very likely the major source of enthalpy that drives intracrustal differentiation. A simple dynamical model has been constructed t...