The application of basement tectonic research to the development of natural resources- : Example midcontinent North America

• Published in: Natural resources research (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 14; no. 2; pp. 125 - 128
• Main Author: CARLSON, Marvin P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg Springer 01.06.2005; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Basements; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Metallic and non-metallic deposits; Natural resources; Resource development; Tectonics; Midcontinent; United States; North America; basement; basement tectonics; natural resources; interpretation; central North America; rejuvenation; North America; Tectonics; continents; basement rocks
• ISSN: 1520-7439; 1573-8981
• DOI: 10.1007/s11053-005-6956-y

An understanding of an area in four dimensions is an important factor in utilizing our natural resources. The additional aspect of change through time, particularly the tectonic processes that have shaped the architecture of an area, can influence the interpretation of the origin and characterization of a resource. An example is provided of the influence that the patterns created during the formation of the continent in central North America demonstrates the continued influence of the original tectonic features and how they have persisted through time. It is this persistence and rejuvenation, that has controlled the occurrence of many of the natural resources on which we depend. Other references are provided to specific examples of the relationships between tectonics, particularly within the crystalline basement rocks, and our natural resource system.