New research led by Colorado State University has challenged previous understanding of how and why mountains form. The study, conducted in Southern Italy, suggests that the processes behind mountain building are more complex and deeply buried than previously thought.
The research team, led by Sean Gallen, utilized new data sets and methodologies to reconstruct the extensive histories of mountain formation in Southern Italy. By combining measurements that captured both short and long geological timescales, they were able to create a comprehensive record of rock uplift.
Traditionally, it was believed that mountains in subduction zones formed through the crumpling and thickening of Earth’s crust as one tectonic plate dives beneath another. However, the findings of this study challenge that assumption.
The researchers discovered that the primary factor controlling rock uplift in the Calabrian mountains of Southern Italy is the descension of the lower tectonic plate through the Earth’s mantle and its influence on the mantle flow field. This suggests that the typical understanding of mountain building may not hold true for this region.
The study’s findings are supported by existing numerical models, although further data is needed to confirm the interpretation. If validated, this research would represent the first observation of such deep Earth processes directly influencing mountain building in subduction zones. It highlights the dominant role of deep Earth signals in shaping surface geological features and challenges previous notions of mountain formation.
The implications of this research extend beyond Southern Italy, providing new insights into the behavior of subduction zones worldwide. The findings have the potential to reshape the understanding of how mountains are formed and how Earth’s tectonic processes operate on a global scale.