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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 2004; v. 227; p. 41-64;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.2004.227.01.03
© 2004 Geological Society of London

Geophysical Constraints on Vertical Coupling in the Lithosphere

Mantle-driven deformation of orogenic zones and clutch tectonics

Basil Tikoff1, Ray Russo2, Christian Teyssier3 & Andréa Tommasi4

1 Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA basil{at}geology.wisc.edu
2 Department of Geological Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
3 Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
4 Laboratoire de Tectonophysique, ISTEEM, CNRS/Université de Montpellier II, 34095 Montpellier cedex 5, France

Compatible deformation between the upper crust and upper mantle is documented for a variety of ancient and neotectonic settings, suggesting that these lithospheric layers are coupled. Areas of neotectonic deformation are also characterized by high seismic attenuation, indicating that the uppermost mantle is rheologically weak and flowing in these regions. The flow of the mantle, both lithospheric and asthenospheric, potentially drives deformation in continental orogenic zones. Three-dimensional models, controlled by bottom-driven mantle flow, are proposed for obliquely convergent, transcurrent and obliquely divergent plate margins. Our analysis indicates that the absolute, and not just relative, plate motions play a critical role in the orogenic cycle.