Evidence for a local crustal root beneath the Santa Catalina metamorphic core complex, Arizona

S. C. Myers, S. L. Beck

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Data from the Tucson, Arizona, broad-band seismic station are used to analyze crustal and mantle structure under and adjacent to the Catalina metamorphic core complex. The data can be modeled with a simple two-layer crust having an average Moho depth of ~30km and seismic velocities consistent with a felsic composition. The lower crust thickens under the Catalina Mountains, depressing the Moho by ~4.2km. The crustal root can isostatically compensate the average topography of the Catalina Mountains, indicating that the depth of isostatic compensation is at or below the Moho and that the Catalina Mountains act as a coherent block bounded by high-angle normal faults. The presence of a root favours a model of metamorphic core complex development described by crustal thickening in shortening episodes (crustal-welt model) followed by collapse of the crustal welt through extension. -from Authors

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)223-226
Number of pages4
JournalGeology
Volume22
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1994

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geology

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