Epelrogeny and plate tectonics

Abstract

This review is generated by an intensification of interest in a classical subject of geology, vertical motions of the crust and their causes. The subject was examined qualitatively for more than a century within a paradigm of a mainly static earth that merely moved up and down. The new interest derives from the fact that some aspects of vertical motion can now be explained semi‐quantitatively and also from the realization that, in the paradigm of a dynamic earth, some vertical motions are related to horizontal drifting. The fact that large regions of the earth are warped vertically has been known since the beginnings of modern geology. Lyell [1835] cites Playfair and Von Buch among others who recognized the uplift of Scandinavia. Likewise, Darwin [1842] observed that the distribution of atolls and elevated islands establishes regional warping of ocean basins. The term ‘epeirogeny’ was coined by Gilbert [1890] to describe this broad, gentle warping, which is such a common feature of the history of the whole earth.

The Kalahari Epeirogeny and climate change: differentiating cause and effect from core to space

“…Epeirogeny, defined more than 100 years ago by Gilbert, refers to vertical warping of the lithosphere, a feature of the Earth recognised as far back as Lyell and Darwin (see Menard, 1973 for review and references). Pre-plate tectonic discourse about epeirogeny, including formation of regional plateaus, created well-known geodynamic schools that related Earth's geological processes to vertical forces on the lithosphere (e.g.…”

Mesozoic‐Cainozoic Tectonics and Igneous Activity: Southeastern Australia

“…The first stage of the rifting process, which may precede actual continental separation by 50-150 m.y., is crustal uplift on broad domes 1-2 km high and 100-1000 km in diameter (Menard, 1973). Collapse of the central parts of these domes results in sinuous graben systems, which frequently occur as groups of three, radiating from a triple junction.…”

“…The creation of Atlantic-type continental margins (Dewey & Bird, 1970;Bott, 1971;Menard, 1973;Burke & Dewey, 1973;Falvey, 1974) can be considered to occur in two stages. The initial stage involves the formation of the rift that defines the line of continental splitting.…”

Martian canyons and African rifts: Structural comparisons and implications

“…These pits and chains of depressions have been described by Sharp (1973) and Blasius et al (1977). Their • (Beloussov, 1969;Menard, 1973). Measurements in the central portion of the Valles Marineris indicate that depths of 6 kRl are common (Malin, 1977, as referenced in Blasius et al, 1977).…”

“…On the Earth rifts are produced by extension related to crustal uplifts; these uplifts are probably an isostatic response to injection of low density mantle material into the lithosphere (Burke and Whiteman, 1973;Menard, 1973;Bhattacharji and Koide, 1975). In the Kenya Rift multiple episodes of crustal flexure occurred, each accompanied by volcanism and fracturing (Baker and Wohlenberg, 1971;Baker et al, 1972).…”