22 Evolution of Cordilleran-type orogenic systems (Posters)
This session seeks contributions that connect surface, crustal, and mantle processes associated with Cordilleran systems, specifically addressing geodynamics, kinematics, magmatism, uplift, erosion, basin subsidence, and sediment dispersal in ancient and modern settings.
Thursday, 23 April 2026
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
LMH, 5th Floor Chapel
Thermokinematic Modeling of the Wind River Range, Wyoming
Paper number: 22-1
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Authors
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Erick InostrosCalifornia State University San Bernardino , San Bernardino, CA
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Susana HenriquezCalifornia State University San Bernardino , San Bernardino, CA
Abstract
The Wind River Range (WRR) in west central Wyoming is a Laramide basement-core uplift structurally controlled by the Wind River Thrust system (WRTS). In orogenic systems, quantifying the amount of shortening and exhumation within orogenic systems is key to understanding the growth of mountain belts. Thermokinematic modeling enables investigating the kinematic evolution of regions (structural geometries and timing of deformation and exhumation) by comparing their predicted cooling patterns to independent thermochronologic datasets. Previous studies in the WRR have constrained the structural evolution and its exhumation history. Published apatite fission track (AFT) data indicate that the WRR experienced rapid cooling and exhumation during the Late Cretaceous to early Eocene, approximately 65 and 50 Ma. Although the timing of exhumation is relatively well known in the WRR, the geometry of the WRTS at depth, amount of shortening, and local shortening rates within the Laramide Orogeny remain uncertain. Structural modeling was performed using Move (PE Limited), and thermokinematic modeling was done using Fetkin. Preliminary data include a revised structural cross section, a palimpastic restoration of the WRR, and a series of cooling patterns testing different kinematic scenarios. Each scenario was evaluated by comparing the predicted cooling pattern to the available AFT data at the top of the range (ca. 50-55 Ma). Preliminary results suggest that: (1) Constant slip rate under modern geothermal conditions (ca. 20 °C/km) predicts ca. 60 Ma AFT ages. (2) Constant slip rate with a higher geothermal gradient (ca. 25 °C/km) predicts ca. 50-55 Ma AFT ages. (3) Increasing slip rate under modern geothermal conditions (ca. 20 °C/km) predicts ca. 57-60 Ma AFT ages. (4) Decreasing slip rate with modern geothermal conditions (ca. 20 °C/km) predicts ca. 60-62 Ma AFT ages. These results suggest that a higher geothermal gradient and/or an increase in slip rate between 65-50 Ma are likely needed to explain the cooling patterns. Moreover, these results suggest that (U-Th)/He and additional AFT data in the eastern side of the range are key to increasing our understanding of the thermokinematic evolution of the Wind River Range.
Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 3
doi: 10.1130/abs/2026CD-410825
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