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Megathrust shear force controls mountain height at convergent plate margins
Armin Dielforder1, Ralf Hetzel2, Onno Oncken3
1Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany. armin.dielforder@gfz-potsdam.de.
Nature
|June 13, 2020
Summary
Mountain range height is primarily controlled by shear forces along tectonic plate boundaries (megathrusts), not climate. This study shows mountain heights align with the tectonically supported elevation, indicating force equilibrium.
Area of Science:
- Geology
- Tectonics
- Geomorphology
Background:
- Mountain range height is debated, with climate-driven erosion often assumed to be a primary control.
- The relationship between tectonic forces and sustained mountain elevation remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the tectonically supported elevation of mountain ranges using a force balance model.
- To investigate the primary drivers of mountain range height globally.
Main Methods:
- Constraining shear force along active megathrusts using rheological properties.
- Applying a force balance model to calculate tectonically supported elevation.
Main Results:
- Mountain range heights globally match the calculated tectonically supported elevation.
- This correlation holds true irrespective of climate and erosion rates.
Conclusions:
- Mountain range elevation is primarily governed by megathrust shear force, indicating a state of force equilibrium.
- Long-term mountain height variations reflect changes in force balance, not direct climate control.
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