Lecture 8

Uplift of the Cordillera

The Cenozoic evolution of the Canadian Cordillera
from an orogen-scale low temperature
thermochronology transect

Lecture slides and research

by Dr. Bernard Guest and group
The Andes
The Canadian Cordillera
Nicola
Whistlers (near Jasper)
Foreland Fold and Thrust belt
Omineca belt
Omineca belt
Intermontane belt
Main finding: the Cordillera has different uplift rates and histories
depending on location

Whistlers
Geophysics
interpreted hot/cold areas in the mantle due to seismic wave velocity

hot

cold
Conclusion: upwelling of hot asthenosphere is
helping the mountains of Western Canada
maintain their high elevation.