GGP Seminar: Jacob O. Thacker - "The what, where, when and why of the Laramide - N.A. - (Springfield, MO)

"The what, where, when and why of Laramide orogeny" Episodes of deformation thousands of kilometers into continental interiors remains a major topic for furthering our understanding of plate tectonic processes. 1 such event, the Laramide orogeny, is responsible for structural arches and deep intermontane basins of the U.S. Rocky Mountains that formed 90 to 45 million years ago within the stable cratonic interior. This mountain building phase has long perplexed geologists due to an atypical "thick-skinned" deformation style and its far field strain. Significant strides have been made to understand the Laramide ("what and where"), though confusion and controversy still persist on its extent, time frame, and mechanisms. These topics will be discussed in this talk, with a focus on time frame by examining the detailed spatiotemporal distribution ("where and when") of Laramide deformation. Interpretations on the tectonic processes responsible ("why") will also be discussed in light of these and other data.