Sequential development of the Appalachian orogen above a master decollement: a hypothesis

Journal Article · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Geology; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1979)7<568:SDOTAO>2.0.CO;2· OSTI ID:6034849

Harris, L D; Bayer, K C

Surface geology and seismic-reflection data suggest that rather than having a massive rooted central core the southern part of the Appalachian orogen from the Appalachian Plateau to the Atlantic continental shelf is underlain by an eastward-dipping decollement zone. We infer that this decollement zone was a long-lived structural element, intermittently growing from east to west during late Proterozoic to late Paleozoic time. Onshore displacement along the detachment surface was episodic through this long period of time, so that reliable estimates of total shortening for the entire orogen are not possible. Palinspastic restoration of only the western margin of the orogen, the area west of the Brevard Zone, suggests a minimum of 280 km (175 mi) of Alleghenian displacement. Total accumulated shortening through time within the entire orogen must be considerably greater, probably exceeding hundreds of additional kilometres.

• Research Organization: Geological Survey, Reston, VA
• OSTI ID: 6034849
• Journal Information: Geology; (United States), Journal Name: Geology; (United States) Vol. 7:12; ISSN GLGYB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
580201* -- Geophysics-- Seismology &amp; Tectonics-- (1980-1989)
APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS
ATLANTIC OCEAN
CONTINENTAL MARGIN
CONTINENTAL SHELF
GEOLOGIC HISTORY
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOLOGY
MOUNTAINS
ORIGIN
OROGENESIS
PETROGENESIS
SEAS
SEISMOLOGY
SURFACE WATERS