COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH: Nature of the Middle Crust during Orogenesis: Thermal, Mechanical, and Geodynamic Properties Inferred from Proterozoic Rocks of the Southwestern U.S

中地壳变形过程中的热和力学过程影响了在地球表面观察到的构造相互作用的类型，但是对中地壳的了解还不够，无法建立预测模型。 该项目将利用美国西南部大面积出露的中地壳岩石，研究中地壳层面的深成岩、变形和变质作用的相互作用，试图确定其在造山运动期间对大陆岩石圈强度和行为的控制。 工作将集中在测试的想法，即中地壳是异质的，但粗糙的流变分层，不同的深度有特点的铂环。 研究结果将有助于阐明西南地区元古代中地壳变形动力学，为中地壳变形的一般模式提供依据。

Thermal and mechanical processes during deformation of the middle crust affect the style of tectonic interactions observed at the earth s surface, however not enough is known about the middle crust to allow predictive models. This project will use the extensively exposed middle crustal rocks of the southwest United States to study the mutual interaction of plutonism, deformation and metamorphism at middle crustal levels to attempt to determine its control on the strength and behavior of the continental lithosphere during orogeny. Work will focus on testing the idea that the middle crust is heterogeneous but crudely rheologically layered and that various depths have characteristic Ptt loops. Results will help clarify middle crustal deformation dynamics for the Proterozoic of the Southwest, which should provide elements of general model for middle crustal deformation.