Magmatic surge requires two-stage model for the Laramide orogeny

Joshua J. Schwartz (), Jade Star Lackey, Elena A. Miranda, Keith A. Klepeis, Gabriela Mora-Klepeis, Francine Robles and Jonathan D. Bixler
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Joshua J. Schwartz: California State University Northridge
Jade Star Lackey: Pomona College
Elena A. Miranda: California State University Northridge
Keith A. Klepeis: The University of Vermont
Gabriela Mora-Klepeis: The University of Vermont
Francine Robles: California State University Northridge
Jonathan D. Bixler: California State University Northridge

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract The Laramide orogeny is a pivotal time in the geological development of western North America, but its driving mechanism is controversial. Most prominent models suggest this event was caused by the collision of an oceanic plateau with the Southern California Batholith (SCB) which caused the angle of subduction beneath the continent to shallow and led to shut-down of the arc. Here, we use over 280 zircon and titanite Pb/U ages from the SCB to establish the timing and duration of magmatism, metamorphism and deformation. We show that magmatism was surging in the SCB from 90 to 70 Ma, the lower crust was hot, and cooling occurred after 75 Ma. These data contradict plateau underthrusting and flat-slab subduction as the driving mechanism for early Laramide deformation. We propose that the Laramide orogeny is a two-stage event consisting of: 1) an arc ‘flare-up’ phase in the SCB from 90-75 Ma; and 2) a widespread mountain building phase in the Laramide foreland belt from 75-50 Ma that is linked to subduction of an oceanic plateau.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39473-7

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