9418045 Anders The velocity of the north American plate relative to the upper mantle is poorly constrained relative to hotspot derived oceanic plate velocities primarily because continental, hotspot-related volcanism is very nonlinear. This project attempts to utilize a broad, more stable measure of the hotspot passage. The work will measure relative tilts of sediment deposited during active faulting related to passage of the thermal welt across the continent rather than the unpredictable volcanism. Results have to potential to provide an accurate measure of the velocity history of the North American plate relative to the upper mantle and to provide a better way to assess continental plate motions relative to the hotspot framework generally.
