Pyrenean orogeny and plate kinematics

Western Extension of Boundary between European and Iberian Plates during the Pyrenean Orogeny*

-The kinematics of the Eocene episode of compression between the Iberian and European plates is examined. It is p r o p d that the boundary between the two plates extended West of the Pyrenees, dong the Spanish marginal trench to end West of King's trough at a triple point junction. The pole of relative rotation computed within this hypothesis lies near5g0N; 62"W and the resulting shortening al...

Structural and kinematic relationships between Corsica and the Pyrenees-Provence domain at the time of the Pyrenean orogeny

Mantle Dynamics and Plate Kinematics

Plate motions, Andean orogeny, and volcanism above the South Atlantic convection cell

The geometric and kinematic evolution of the Andes provides insight onto the nature of the force balance beneath the South American plate. While the Andean load is opposed on its western edge by the force induced by subduction of the Nazca plate, its more elusive eastern counterpart, which we explore herein, requires some contribution from the mantle beneath the South Atlantic. Using a mantle f...

Orogeny can be very short.

In contrast to continent/continent collision, arc-continent collision generates very short-lived orogeny because the buoyancy-driven impedance of the subduction of continental lithosphere, accompanied by arc/suprasubduction-zone ophiolite obduction, is relieved by subduction polarity reversal (flip). This tectonic principle is illustrated by the early Ordovician Grampian Orogeny in the British ...