Articles | Volume 12, issue 8
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1749-2021
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1749-2021
Research article
 | 
10 Aug 2021
Research article |  | 10 Aug 2021

Buoyancy versus shear forces in building orogenic wedges

Lorenzo G. Candioti, Thibault Duretz, Evangelos Moulas, and Stefan M. Schmalholz

Video supplement

Evolution of numerical simulation GC1 Lorenzo Giuseppe Candioti https://doi.org/10.5446/50528

Evolution of numerical simulation REF Lorenzo Giuseppe Candioti https://doi.org/10.5446/50527

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Short summary
We quantify the relative importance of forces driving the dynamics of mountain building using two-dimensional computer simulations of long-term coupled lithosphere–upper-mantle deformation. Buoyancy forces can be as high as shear forces induced by far-field plate motion and should be considered when studying the formation of mountain ranges. The strength of rocks flooring the oceans and the density structure of the crust control deep rock cycling and the topographic elevation of orogens.