Explore the fascinating world of mountain formation, evolution, and eventual destruction in this 27-minute taster lecture. Discover the importance of mountain-building events, learn basic tectonic principles, and delve into the stages of mountain development from birth to continental collision. Examine critical taper theory, megathrust events, and the transition from subduction to collision. Investigate real-world examples such as the growing tectonic folds of the Tripura Ranges and Taiwan's single faulting/uplift event. Understand the role of gravity in shaping mountain ranges, including topography and gravity anomalies, weak layers beneath mountains, and gravitational collapse. Conclude by considering the future of collapsed mountain ranges in this informative lecture from Royal Holloway, University of London.
Overview
Syllabus
Intro
Why learn about mountains?
Some basic tectonic principles to begin!
Mountains: Birth and early development
Critical taper theory
Megathrust events
Transition from subduction to collision
Tripura Ranges-growing tectonic folds
Mountains: Continental collision stage
Onset of continental collision
A single faulting/uplift event in Taiwan
Mountains have their own gravity!
Topography and gravity anomalies
A weak layer deep below mountains
Gravitational collapse in the western US
What next for a collapsed mountain range?
Taught by
Earth Sciences at Royal Holloway
