The University of Arizona, doing business as the Arizona Board of Regents, received a $161,467 project grant from the National Science Foundation's Geosciences program to conduct a continental-scale study of Jurassic-Cretaceous basins and mélange belts along the North American Cordillera mountain range. The research aims to test models for the Mesozoic subduction processes that formed these geological features from central Alaska to California. Key activities include analyzing the age, provenance, and geochemistry of the basins and mélange belts using techniques like detrital zircon analysis and isotopic studies. Findings will help determine the geometry and timing of convergent margin systems in the region and refine methods for understanding ancient subduction processes in other mountain belts. The project will provide research experiences for graduate and undergraduate students, and engage Native American communities in discussions of how geologic processes shaped their homelands.
Generated 8/13/24, 3:31 AM