Energy Dynamics in Active Orogenic Belts: Insights from Andes, St. Elias, Himalayas, and Papua New Guinea
This study presents the energy dynamics of active orogenic belts, focusing on the Andes, St. Elias Mountains, Himalayas, and Papua New Guinea. We examine energy outputs measured in joules per year, highlighting significant values such as 1.298 x 10^17 J/year for the Andes and 7.509 x 10^17 J/year for the Himalayas. Additionally, we discuss energy losses due to thermal processes, which may reduce total energy outputs by up to 85%. The maximum and minimum energy estimates provide essential insights into tectonic processes in these regions.
Energy Dynamics in Active Orogenic Belts: Insights from Andes, St. Elias, Himalayas, and Papua New Guinea
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Presentation Transcript
Christine Gammans Joel Pierson Mountain Building
Results Andes 1.298 x 1017 J/year 5.562 x 1016 J/year St. Elias Mountains 1.682 x 1016 J/year 7.209 x 1015 J/year Himalayas 7.509 x 1017 J/year 2.503 x 1017 J/year Papua New Guinea 1.217 x 1015 J/year 6.352 x 1014 J/year
Some energy is lost as thermal energy to processes such as metamorphism and frictional heating One paper suggested up to 85 % was lost If so, total max energy would be 5.988 x 1018 J/year Total min energy: 2.098 x 1018 J/year Conclusions Total Maximum Energy: 8.982 x 1017 J/year Total Minimum Energy: 3.138 x 1017 J/year
