Global Geologic Maps Are Tectonic Speedometers— Rates of Rock Cycling from Area-Age Frequencies
Global geologic maps are tectonic speedometers— Rates of rock cycling from area-age frequencies Bruce H. Wilkinson1†, Brandon J. McElroy2, Stephen E. Kesler3, Shanan E. Peters4, and Edward D. Rothman3 1Department of Earth Sciences, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, USA 2Department of Geological Sciences, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712, USA 3Department of Geological Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA 4Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA ABSTRACT the Earth’s surface, age-frequency distribu- lion years suggested by map age-frequencies tions for plutonic and metamorphic rocks are the same as would be anticipated on the Relations among ages and present areas of exhibit lognormal relations, with modes at basis of hundreds of published rates of ero- exposure of volcanic, sedimentary, plutonic, ca. 154 and 697 Ma, respectively. A dearth sional uplift and exhumation determined by and metamorphic rock units (lithosomes) of younger exposures of plutonic and meta- more conventional geochronometers. This record a complex interplay between depths morphic rocks refl ects the fact that these agreement suggests that geologic maps serve and rates of formation, rates of subsequent rock types form at depth, and some duration as effective deep-time speedometers for the tectonic subsidence and burial, and/or rates of tectonism is therefore required for their geologic rock cycle. of uplift and erosion. Thus, they potentially exposure. Increasing modal ages, from Qua- serve as effi cient deep-time geologic speed- ternary for volcanic and sedimentary succes- INTRODUCTION ometers, providing quantitative insight into sions, to early Mesozoic for intrusive rocks, rates of material transfer among the principal to Neoproterozoic for metamorphic rocks, Since the fi rst complete geologic map of Eng- rock reservoirs—processes central to the rock demonstrate that greater amounts of geologic land, Wales, and Scotland was scribed and pub- cycle.
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