Continental extension is a major aspect of tectonics and it is important to understand the processes involved and to what extent older structures influence the localization, segmentation and orientations of younger faults. East-central Idaho is an ideal area to study extensional processes because of the long history of extension which dates back to Eocene time and produced a highly segmented and faulted crust. This project will map selected areas and conduct paleomagnetic studies to evaluate the extent to which the crust breaks up into discrete blocks which rotate about vertical axes. The results will be used to better understand the tectonic history of part of the western Cordillera, the mechanics and kinematics of crustal extension and the evolution of seismogenic normal fault zones.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Earth Sciences (EAR)
Application #
8721100
Program Officer
Thomas O. Wright
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1988-01-15
Budget End
1990-12-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
$80,000
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Utah
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Salt Lake City
State
UT
Country
United States
Zip Code
84112