Effective elastic thicknessTeof the lithosphere in western Canada

摘要: A stochastic relationship between topography and Bouguer gravity is used to calculate high-resolution variations in effective elastic thickness, T e , of the lithosphere western Canada. The topography-gravity coherence calculated using a two-dimensional, maximum-entropy-based spectral estimator. This method allows for smaller data windows provides determinations with higher spatial resolution than standard Fourier estimators. Our analysis shows significant increases from ∼20-40 km weak, young portions Cordillera 100 greater strong, old Canadian Shield. estimates are good agreement lithospheric temperatures surface heat flow radioactive generation data. distribution also strong correlation other thermally related geophysical parameters, such as age, regional flow, seismicity, seismic properties, stress field. Consequently, we infer that exert primary control on large-scale . Collectively, correlations readily explain why Craton continues be stable undeformed, whereas has continued deformed through Cenozoic. An exception Wopmay Orogen, which includes easternmost part northern Cordillera. There ∼90 km, although mW/m 2 We high this region caused primarily by very upper crust deep moderately low expected its age long-term geological stability.