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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Wyoming Geological Association

Abstract


Resources of the Wind River Basin; 30th Annual Field Conference Guidebook, 1978
Pages 227-234

Question of the Wind River Thrust, Wyoming, Resolved by COCORP Deep Reflection Data and by Gravity Data

Scott B. Smithson, Jon Brewer, S. Kaufman, Jack Oliver, Charles Hurich

Abstract

New data critical for the interpretation of Laramide structure, a major tectonic problem bearing on the formation of the Rocky Mountains, have been obtained by the Consortium for Continental Reflection Profiling (COCORP) in the form of deep crustal seismic reflection profiles across the Wind River Mountains at South Pass. The Wind River Mountains in Wyoming have been uplifted along the Wind River Thrust which can be traced on COCORP seismic reflection profiles to at least 24 km depth with an average dip of 30-35°. Thus, this Laramide uplift is the result of extensive horizontal compression with a minimum horizontal displacement of 13 miles (21 kilometers) and a minimum vertical displacement of 8 miles (13 kilometers). The crust appears to have deformed essentially as a rigid plate. Gravity stations have recently been measured and gravity anomalies across the uplift can be modeled by a thrust, with the same geometry as indicated by the seismic reflection profiles.


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