1. Interplay between dynamic topography and flexure along the U.S. Atlantic passive margin: Insights from landscape evolution modeling
- Author
-
Robert Moucha and Gregory Ruetenik
- Subjects
Global and Planetary Change ,Landscape evolution model ,010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciences ,Post-glacial rebound ,010502 geochemistry & geophysics ,Oceanography ,Fault scarp ,01 natural sciences ,Paleontology ,Tectonics ,Ocean surface topography ,Mantle convection ,Passive margin ,Geomorphology ,Geology ,Sea level ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences - Abstract
Global backwards-in time models of mantle convection have resulted in vastly different interpretations of the transient state of dynamic topography on the U.S. Atlantic passive margin (Moucha et al., 2008; Spasojevic et al., 2008; Rowley et al., 2013; Rovere et al., 2015). However, reconciling these geodynamic models with the observed offshore sedimentary record directly is complex because the sedimentary record integrates changes in climate, sea level, lithology, and tectonics. To circumvent this, we instead focus on modeling the observed deformation of the Orangeburg scarp, a well-documented 3.5 million year old mid-Pliocene shoreline (e.g. Rovere et al., 2015). Herein, we present results from a new landscape evolution model and demonstrate that flexural effects along this margin are comparable to changes in dynamic topography (Rowley et al., 2013) and are required to fully explain deformation of the Orangeburg scarp. Moreover, using the Orangeburg scarp as a datum subject to glacial isostatic adjustment, we demonstrate that a 15 m mid-Pliocene sea level above present-day is most consistent with interspersed coastal plain sediment and surface deformation derived from mantle convection and flexural-isostasy.
- Published
- 2017