Asymmetric rift interpretation of the western North American margin

Research Article| December 01, 1993 Asymmetric rift interpretation of the western North American margin Vicki L. Hansen; Vicki L. Hansen 1Department of Geological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar John W. Goodge; John W. Goodge 1Department of Geological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Myra Keep; Myra Keep 1Department of Geological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Douglas H. Oliver Douglas H. Oliver 1Department of Geological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1993) 21 (12): 1067–1070. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1993)021<1067:ARIOTW>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Vicki L. Hansen, John W. Goodge, Myra Keep, Douglas H. Oliver; Asymmetric rift interpretation of the western North American margin. Geology 1993;; 21 (12): 1067–1070. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1993)021<1067:ARIOTW>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Geologic evidence shows that the Neoproterozoic rift margin of western North America formed as a set of asymmetric detachments, leading to alternating upper- and lower-plate domains distinguishable by the width and gradient of the continental margin, thickness of overlying strata, uplift-subsidence history, relative structural complexity, and presence or absence of exposed lower-crustal rocks. The gradient of the cratonal margin is a key feature related to the transition between continental and oceanic crust; upper-plate margins are marked by steep gradients, whereas lower-plate margins have gentle gradients. In the Canadian Cordillera, the gradient across this transition changes coherently along the margin, from shallow, to steep, to shallow, in turn from north to south. The sinuosity of the Cretaceous-Tertiary thrust-belt front, the distribution of basement exposures, and patterns of miogeoclinal deposition may therefore be inherited from the original asymmetric Neoproterozoic rift geometry. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.