Mesozoic Structural Evolution of the Eastern Mojave Desert Region, Iron and New York Mountains, Southeastern California

9628540 Wells 收缩山脉的理论和模拟模型表明，山脉内部的伸展可能与收缩同时发生，也可能在收缩之后立即发生。已经概述了理解造山动态的主要意义，但许多重要方面仍不清楚。该项目将利用一个区域来研究岩浆作用对收缩山脉内运动序列的影响。莫哈韦沙漠东部是弧后褶皱和冲断带相交的环境，并且与同时代的岩浆弧重合。这种具有不同延伸方向的几何形状应该可以测试莫哈韦东部是否存在白垩纪延伸的不连续带，并阐明潜在的区域控制，这些控制使规模向有利于导致延伸的重力倾斜。 这项工作的成功成果将适用于其他造山带。

9628540 Wells Theoretical and analog models of contractional mountain belts have shown that extensions can occur within mountain belt interiors both synchronously with and immediately following contraction. The major implication for understanding the dynamics of mountain building have been outlined, but many important aspects remain unclear. This project will utilize an area where the effects of magmatism on the kinematic sequence within a contractional mountain belt can be studied. The eastern Mojave Desert is a setting where a backarc fold and thrust belt intersects and is coincident with a coeval magmatic arc. This geometry, with differing extension directions should allow a test of whether a discontinuous belt of Cretaceous extension exists across the eastern Mojave, and illuminate the potential regional controls that have tipped the scale in favor of gravitational forces leading to extension. Successful outcome of this work will be applicable to other orogens.