T143 Plate Tectonics, Arc-Trench Systems, Cordilleran Tectonics, Sedimentary Basins, Sandstone Provenance, and Geoarchaeology I: A Celebration of William R. Dickinson's Career

Monday, 26 September 2016
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Mile High Ballroom 2B


CONTROL OF SUBDUCTION-RELATED DYNAMIC SUBSIDENCE MIGRATION ON SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT IN THE CORDILLERAN FORELAND BASIN: NEW DATA AND REGIONAL SYNTHESIS

Paper number: T143-14
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 4:45 PM – 5:00 PM


Authors

  • J.L. Aschoff Presenting Author
    University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK

Abstract

Dickinson (1974) embraced the burgeoning theory of plate tectonics to interpret the formation of sedimentary basins, emphasizing the close linkage between tectonic setting and basin-fill. The role of subduction in retro-arc basin formation was somewhat de-emphasized in the 1980-90’s as thrust-belt uplift and flexural controls were scrutinized. Flexural backstripping by Liu et al. (2011, 2014) in the Cordilleran Foreland Basin (CFB) indicated that subduction-related dynamic subsidence (“hidden load” of Cross, 1991) played an important role, sparking re-evaluation of subduction controls on retroarc foreland basins. The present study shows new stratigraphic data and regional synthesis of Campanian-Maastrichtian correlations in MT, WY, UT and CO that suggests subduction of the conjugate Shatsky Rise controlled shoreline development and draining of the Western Interior Seaway. This study: 1) defines 3, ~600 km wide, E-NE migrating depocenters that each show a systematic high-to-low accommodation stacking pattern, 2) delineates high-resolution Campanian-Maastrichtian shorelines that sequentially deviate from a thrust-belt parallel orientation to bisect the Shatsky Rise, and 3) demonstrates depositional process change as a function of dynamic subsidence migration. Dynamic basins span ~600 km, migrating in an E-NE, stepwise pattern independent of the foredeep. Each basin consists of older, vertically-stacked strata, overlain by a forced-regressive sequence and unconformity. Campanian to Maastrichtian shorelines in the CFB initially parallel the foredeep subsidence but make a sharp eastward turn to intersect the position of the Shatsky Rise and its dynamic topography. Early Campanian marine shorelines throughout the CFB parallel the N-S trend of the foredeep, but Middle to Late Campanian shorelines turn eastward in UT-CO, bisecting the postulated position of the Shatsky Rise at this time. Maastrichtian shorelines of the Fox Hills Ss. follow a similar trend, bisecting the Shatsky Rise but also define a drainage divide in north-central WY/SD. Sedimentary processes within these shorelines show an up-section evolution from early, river-wave dominance followed by tide-wave dominance and valleying. These data and synthesis further support the linkage between foreland basin-fill and subduction.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 48, No. 7

doi: 10.1130/abs/2016AM-281600

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