An order-of-magnitude estimate of the current uplift-rates in Switzerland caused by the Würm Alpine deglaciation


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Date

1994

Publication Type

Journal Article

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yes

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Abstract

A viscoelastic model of the crust and the mantle is used to give an order of magnitude estimate of the contribution of glacial isostatic adjustment caused by the Late Würm Alpine déglaciation to the currently observed uplift-rate of the Swiss Alps. Relaxation times are based on a realistic rheological model and not simply assumed. Calculated uplift-rates depend critically on the effective elastic thickness (EET) of the crust-mantle system as well as on the average linear viscosity of the mantle. An important connection is thereby established between the rheology of the Alpine region, the glaciation of the Late Würm and the magnitude of the glacial isostatic rebound. For a range of model parameters in agreement with geological and geophysical findings, calculated uplift-rates are of the same magnitude as measured rates. At this level of modelling the possibility cannot be ruled out that some or even a large part of the currently observed uplift is caused by glacial isostatic rebound.

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Publication status

published

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Volume

87 (2)

Pages / Article No.

545 - 557

Publisher

Birkhäuser

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Edition / version

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Subject

Uplift-rates; Geodynamics; Würm deglaciation; Effective elastic thickness; Mantle viscosity

Organisational unit

09599 - Farinotti, Daniel / Farinotti, Daniel check_circle

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