Strain rate and strength of the continental lithosphere
Abstract
Under the Wilson Cycle and Plate Tectonics paradigms, continents are divided between stable continental regions (SCR), which tend to remain un-deformed, and plate boundary zones (PBZ) that repeatedly accommodate deformation associated with opening and closing of tectonic plates. This long-term (> 1 Ma) perspective is reflected in short-term (< 100 a) deformation markers such as seismicity and GPS measurements, which highlight the first-order contrast in strain rates between SCR and PBZ. However, poor data resolution at low strain rates provides only rough upper limits on actual long- and short-term strain and seismicity rates in SCR regions, including in intraplate weak zones (paleo-PBZ) where debate is ongoing regarding short- and long-term deformation rates (e.g., New Madrid seismic zone). We propose to constrain first-order continental strain (and seismicity) rates using lithosphere rheological models, including new strain-weakening rheologies, driven by tectonic forces. We estimate average strain rates that satisfy near-failure equilibrium between net driving forces and lithosphere strength for cases that typify PBZ, cratons, and intraplate weak zones. Our model yields a range of strain rates that vary by up to six orders of magnitude between PBZ and cratons. In intraplate weak zones, structural and tectonic heritage results in significant weakening and yields strain rates compatible with GPS, seismicity, and geological markers. These results provide first-order constraints on long-term lithosphere strength and deformation rates. In particular, we explore upper and lower bounds of possible strain rates in intraplate weak zones of North America, using a range of geotherm, rheology, and local stress conditions. These can be used to derived limits on seismicity rates in these regions.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013AGUFM.G43C..04M
- Keywords:
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- 1209 GEODESY AND GRAVITY Tectonic deformation;
- 8120 TECTONOPHYSICS Dynamics of lithosphere and mantle: general;
- 8150 TECTONOPHYSICS Plate boundary: general;
- 8147 TECTONOPHYSICS Planetary interiors