Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The origin of large local uplift in extensional regions

  • Article
  • Published:

From Nature

View current issue Submit your manuscript

Abstract

Large localized uplift is commonly observed in continental regions undergoing extension. These observations can be modelled by planar, high-angle normal faulting of an elastic upper crust overlying an inviscid lower crust. Isostasy provides the necessary driving force. The model quantifies the role of flexural rigidity, density variations in the crust and erosion and deposition of sediment.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. King, G. C. P., Stein, R. S. & Rundle, J. B. J. geophys. Res. 93, 13307–13318 (1988).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  2. Stein, R. S., King, G. C. P. & Rundle, J. B. J. geophys. Res. 93, 13319–13331 (1988).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  3. Jackson, J. A. Continental Extensional Tectonics, Spec. Publs geol. Soc. 28, 3–17 (1987).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  4. Rundle, J. B. J. geophys. Res. 87, 7787–7796 (1982).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  5. Crouch, S. L. & Starfield, A. M. Boundary Element Methods in Solid Mechanics (Allen & Unwin, London, 1983).

    Book  Google Scholar 

  6. Rundle, J. B. J. geophys. Res. 93, 6237–6254 (1988).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  7. McGarr, A. J. geophys. Res. 93, 13609–13617 (1988).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  8. Ellis, M. A. & King, G. C. P. Geol. Soc. Am. Abstr. Progm 22, 273 (1990).

    Google Scholar 

  9. Hunt, C. B. & Mabey, D. R. Prof. Pap. U.S. geol. Surv. 494-A (1966).

  10. Serpa, L. Geol. Soc. Am. Bull. 100, 1437–1450 (1988).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  11. Geist,, E. L. & Brocher, T. M. Geology 15, 1159–1162 (1987).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  12. Wright, L. A., Troxel, B. W., Burchfiel, B. C., Chapman, R. H. & Labotka, T. C. Geol. Soc. Am. Map and Chart Ser. MC-28M (1981).

  13. Wright, L. A. Geol. Soc. Am. Abstr. Progm 3, 221 (1971).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Cemen, I., Wright, L. A., Drake, R. E. & Johnson, F. C. Spec. Publs Soc. Econ. Paleont Miner. 37, 127–141 (1985).

    Google Scholar 

  15. Holm, D. K. & Wernicke, B. Geology 18, 520–523 (1990).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  16. Anderson, R. E. U.S. geol. Surv. Open-file Rep. 83–504 (1983).

  17. Stewart, J. H. Geology of Nevada, Spec. Publ. 4 (Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Reno, 1980).

    Google Scholar 

  18. Roberts, R. J., Montgomerey, K. M. & Lehner, R. E. Nevada Bur. Mines Geol. Bull. 64 (1967).

  19. Okaya, D. A. & Thompson, G. A. Tectonics 4, 107–126 (1985).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  20. Gilbert, C. M. & Reynolds, M. W. Geol. Soc. Am. Bull. 84, 2489–2510 (1973).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Ross, D. C. Nevada Bur. Mines Geol. Bull. 58 (1961).

  22. Willden, R. & Speed, R. C. Nevada Bur. Mines Geol. Bull. 83 (1974).

  23. King, C. Systematic Geology Vol. 1 (U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 1878).

    Google Scholar 

  24. Parry, W. T. & Bruhn, R. L. Geology 15, 67–70 (1987).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  25. Zoback, M. L. Geol. Soc. Am. Mem. 157, 3–28 (1983).

    Google Scholar 

  26. Doser, D. I. Phys. Earth planet. Inter. 48, 64–72 (1987).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  27. Doser, D. I. & Smith, R. B. Bull. seismol. Soc. Am. 79, 1383–1409 (1989).

    Google Scholar 

  28. Wernicke, B. & Axen, G. J. Geology 16, 848–851 (1988).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  29. Buck, W. R. Tectonics 7, 959–975 (1988).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  30. Chase, C. G. & Wallace, T. C. J. geophys. Res. 93, 2795–2802 (1988).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  31. O'Conner, J. E. & Chase, C. G. Tectonics 8, 833–844 (1989).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  32. Ellis, M. A., Bodin, P. A. & Anderson, J. G. Geol. Soc. Am. Abstr. Progm 20, 235–236 (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  33. Wright, L. A., Otton, J. K. & Troxel, B. W. Geology 2, 53–54 (1974).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  34. Wernicke, B., Axen, G. J. & Snow, J. K. Geol. Soc. Am. Bull. 100, 1738–1757 (1988).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  35. Corbett, K. Geol. Soc. Am. Bull. 102, 267–270 (1990).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  36. Wright, L. A. Geology 4, 489–494 (1976).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  37. Ellis, M. A., Zhang, P. & Slemmons, B. Eos 70, 465 (1989).

    Google Scholar 

  38. Bechtel, T. D., Forsyth, D. W., Sharpton, V. L. & Grieve, R. A. F. Nature 343, 636–638 (1990).

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. United States Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California, 94025, USA

    Geoffrey King

  2. Center for Earthquake Research and Information, Memphis State University, Memphis, Tennessee, 38152, USA

    Michael Ellis

Authors
  1. Geoffrey King
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Michael Ellis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

King, G., Ellis, M. The origin of large local uplift in extensional regions. Nature 348, 689–693 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1038/348689a0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/348689a0

  • Springer Nature Limited

This article is cited by

Search

Navigation