Vertical Coupling & Decoupling in the Lithosphere: No. 227

Recent advancements in the understanding of mountain belts have focused on vertical coupling of the lithospheric layers. This volume describes the extent to which observed or inferred sub-horizontal coupling or attachment zones provide vertical kinematic linkage between rheologically distinct layers in the continental lithosphere. A common theme is whether the deformation, which partitioned differently in each layer, is linked kinematically across attachment zones and driven by flow in the deeper crust and mantle lithosphere.

The papers are divided into six sections. The first analyses the extent to which mantle flow controls deformation of the overlying layers. The Vertical axis block rotations section uses geological and palaeomagnetic data to constrain the role and magnitude of basal shear across mid-crustal attachment zones. The Lower crustal flow and topography section addresses the time-dependent development of orogenic plateaux and their role in the orogenic cycle. Multiple examples of the spatial and temporal development of lithospheric coupling are given in both the Orogenic examples and Subduction examples sections. Finally, rheological constraints of vertical coupling in the lithosphere are investigated.

Also available:

European Lithosphere Dynamics - Memoir no 32 - ISBN 1862392129
The Internal Structure of Fault Zones: Implications for Mechanical & Fluid-Flow Properties - Special Publication no 299 - ISBN 1862392536

The Geological Society of London

Founded in 1807, the Geological Society of London is the oldest geological society in the world, and one of the largest publishers in the Earth sciences.

The Society publishes a wide range of high-quality peer-reviewed titles for academics and professionals working in the geosciences, and enjoys an enviable international reputation for the quality of its work.

The many areas in which we publish in include:

-Petroleum geology
-Tectonics, structural geology and geodynamics
-Stratigraphy, sedimentology and paleontology
-Volcanology, magmatic studies and geochemistry
-Remote sensing
-History of geology
-Regional geology guides