Collaborative Research: The Tectonothermal Evolution of a Convergent Orogen

认识造山作用及其与地幔对流和板块构造的关系，有赖于对变形、变质和岩浆作用过程之间相互关系的综合研究。 阿巴拉契亚造山带北方保存完好的部分为真正综合研究强烈影响造山作用的中地壳过程的演化提供了一个出色的实验室。 该项目正在利用结构、显微结构、岩石学和热压分析以及化学和同位素测年法，在时间和空间上将这一造山带逐渐增长期间的变形、变质和岩浆作用联系起来。 这一信息正被用来设置约束和边界条件耦合，三维热/力学模型，与地质观测，被用来获得深入了解造山带的演变和相关的板块动力学。

Understanding of orogenesis and its relations to mantle convection and plate tectonics relies on integrated studies of the interrelations among processes of deformation, metamorphism and magmatism. A well preserved portion of the northern Appalachian orogen is providing an outstanding laboratory for a truly integrative study of the evolution of mid-crustal processes that strongly influence orogenesis. This project is employing structural, microstructural, petrologic and thermobarometric analyses, and chemical and isotopic dating, to temporally and spatially link deformation, metamorphism and magmatism during the progressive growth of this orogenic belt. This information is being used to set constraints and boundary conditions on coupled, 3-D thermal/mechanical models that, in tandem with the geological observations, are being used used to gain insights into the orogen's evolution and associated plate dynamics.