Formation of upwarped mountains by horizontal compression of lithosphere in shear layers model: A review

Abstract

The understanding of mountain uplift, especially the intraplate ranges and
plateaus, still remains insufficient despite advancement in the last decade. Upwarped
mountains are one general category, where uplift virtually comes from the bottom by
an unspecified mechanism. Several sandbox and finite-width wedge models showed that
this upwarping is a natural consequence of horizontal compression of lithosphere. The
model of shear layers, presented here, is derived from general theory of plasticity and
represents a similar solution of the problem. But its ability to describe deformations in
deeper lithosphere can be useful in studying development and changes of mountain roots.
Comparison of these models, regarding their specific character, may help to understand
overall morphology and tectonics of the mountains.