The unevenness of the north Iberian crustal root, a snapshot of an elusive stage in margin reactivation

Abstract Crustal roots are identified in collision chains worldwide. Frequently mirroring the summits of mountain systems, they elegantly encapsulate concept isostasy. The rugged topography northern Iberia results from convergence with European plate during Alpine orogeny that formed Pyrenean-Cantabrian range. From east to west, range comprises three distinct parts: Pyrenees, Basque Cantabrian region, and Mountains. identification Pyrenean root 1980s observation a similar geometry beneath 1990s gave place current view crustal thickening as continuous feature, resulting northward subduction Iberian crust. Recent developments rift architecture have delivered complex rifting template for area prior convergence, contrasting views based on two-dimensional restorations led debate over its evolution. A crucial geophysical constraint is Moho topography. Using two different data sets techniques, we present most accurate surface date, evidencing abrupt changes throughout orogen. complexity hyperextended margins underlies topography, this ultimately transferred nonuniform orogenic pattern found Iberia.