Decelerating Nazca-South America and Nazca-Pacific Plate Motions

Authors

Edmundo O. Norabuena, University of Miami
Timothy H. Dixon, University of MiamiFollow
Seth Stein, Northwestern University
Christopher G. A. Harrison, University of Miami

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1999

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1029/1999GL005394

Abstract

Space geodetic estimates of the rate of Nazca-South America convergence and Nazca-Pacific spreading averaging over several years show that present day rates are significantly slower than the 3 million year average NUVEL-1A model. The implied rates of deceleration are consistent with longer term trends extending back to at least 20 Ma, about the time of initiation of Andes growth, and may reflect consequences of ongoing subduction and construction of the Andes, e.g., increased friction and viscous drag on the subducted slab as the leading edge of South America thickens.

Rights Information

Terms of use for work posted in Scholar Commons.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

No

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Geophysical Research Letters, v. 26, issue 22, p. 3405-3408

Copyright 1999 by the American Geophysical Union.

Scholar Commons Citation

Norabuena, Edmundo O.; Dixon, Timothy H.; Stein, Seth; and Harrison, Christopher G. A., "Decelerating Nazca-South America and Nazca-Pacific Plate Motions" (1999). School of Geosciences Faculty and Staff Publications. 485.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/geo_facpub/485