The amalgamation of crustal and oceanic lithospheric fragments along continental margins represents a fundamental process for the growth of the continents. The southern Appalachian Mountains are a product of such an amalgamation that occurred during Paleozoic-Mesozoic time. This project will determine the structure, timing, and nature of the fragments that comprise the Carolina Slate Belt and Milton Belt using a combined field and laboratory approach. Results will have important implications for both the evolution of continents and for the development of most major mountain belt systems of the world.
