Decelerating Nazca-South America and Nazca-Pacific Plate Motions

Edmundo O. Norabuena, Timothy H. Dixon, Seth Stein, Christopher G. A. Harrison

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Space geodetic estimates of the rate of Nazca-South America convergence and Nazca-Pacific spreading averaging over several years show that present day rates are significantly slower than the 3 million year average NUVEL-1A model. The implied rates of deceleration are consistent with longer term trends extending back to at least 20 Ma, about the time of initiation of Andes growth, and may reflect consequences of ongoing subduction and construction of the Andes, e.g., increased friction and viscous drag on the subducted slab as the leading edge of South America thickens.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalGeophysical Research Letters
Volume26
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1999
Externally publishedYes

Disciplines

  • Earth Sciences

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