The Magmatic Origin of the Columbia River Gorge, USA

Authors

Nathaniel Klema, University of Oregon
Leif Karlstrom, University of Oregon
Charles Cannon, U.S. Geological Survey
Chengxin Jiang, The Australian National University
Jim O'Connor, U.S. Geological Survey
Ray E. Wells, Portland State University
Brandon Schmandt, University of New Mexico

Sponsor

National Science Foundation: 184855

Published In

Science advances

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-22-2023

Abstract

Along subduction zones, high-relief topography is associated with sustained volcanism parallel to the plate margin. However, the relationship between magmatism and mountain building in arcs is poorly understood. Here, we study patterns of surface deformation and correlated fluvial knickpoints in the Columbia River Gorge to link long-term magmatism to the uplift and ensuing topographic development of the Cascade Range. An upwarped paleochannel exposed in the walls of the Gorge constrains unsteady deep magma flux, the ratio of intrusive to extrusive magmatic contributions to topography, and the impact of magmatism on Columbia River incision since 3.5 million years ago. Geophysical data indicate that deep magma influx beneath the arc axis is ongoing and not aligned with the current locations of volcanic edifices, representing a broad regional influence on arc construction.

Description

Ray Wells is also affiliated with USGS.

Locate the Document

https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adj3357

DOI

10.1126/sciadv.adj3357

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/41036

Citation Details

Klema, N., Karlstrom, L., Cannon, C., Jiang, C., O’Connor, J., Wells, R., & Schmandt, B. (2023). The magmatic origin of the Columbia River Gorge, USA. Science Advances, 9(51), eadj3357.