Extensional Tectonics- the Mojave Metamorphic Core Complex
Collaborators: Ernie Anderson, Dave Miller
Detailed mapping and structural data collected in the upper-plate rocks and along the "detachment" of the Mojave Metamorphic Core Complex has revealed multiple structural and stratigraphic relationships that conflict with the interpretation of large-magnitude Miocene extension in the central Mojave. We are expanding and refining this work with more mapping, structural data, and dating of volcanic rocks. A significant amount of mapping for this project has been with undergraduate and graduate field classes.
Clouds over Mt. General.
Dan and Israel collecting data along a contact. This contact was previously interpreted to be the main detachment of a metamorphic core complex. However, our mapping and structural data show that the contact is depositional in some areas, and intrusive in others and that evidence for significant extension is lacking.
