Geophysical investigations of the tectonic boundary between East and West Antarctica

Science
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

The Transantarctic Mountains (TAM), which separate the West Antarctic rift system from the stable shield of East Antarctica, are the largest mountains developed adjacent to a rift. The cause of uplift of mountains bordering rifts is poorly understood. One notion based on observations of troughs next to many uplifted blocks is that isostatic rebound produces a coeval uplift and subsidence. The results of an over-snow seismic experiment in Antarctica do not show evidence for a trough next to the TAM but indicate the extension of rifted mantle lithosphere under the TAM. Furthermore, stretching preceded the initiation of uplift, which suggests thermal buoyancy as the cause for uplift.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Geophysical investigations of the tectonic boundary between East and West Antarctica
Series title Science
DOI 10.1126/science.261.5117.45
Volume 261
Issue 5117
Year Published 1993
Language English
Publisher American Association for the Advancement of Science
Contributing office(s) Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Description 6 p.
First page 45
Last page 50
Other Geospatial Antarctica
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details