Abstract

LITHOPROBE, Canada’s internationally acclaimed Earth science research project, was active from 1984 to 2005. It was established to study the development of our continent from its very beginnings and to investigate the varied and complex processes involved in that development. These studies have scientific, economic and social benefits. Collaborative, multidisciplinary research was the key to LITHOPROBE’s scientific and related successes. Ten study areas, or transects, across Canada focused on important geological features that represent globally significant processes. Each transect involved a multidisciplinary team of scientists. In addition to individual publications, results from each transect were synthesized in a special issue(s) of the Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences.

By combining results from all transects, we compile the LITHOPROBE trans-continental cross-section, which traverses North America at ~50° N for 6000 km and to depths of 100 km. The cross-section is based on near-vertical incidence seismic reflection and refraction / wide-angle reflection data, combined with a broad range of other geophysical, geological, geochemical and geochronological data and their interpretation. The constituent profiles are not vertically exaggerated and include Earth curvature. The cross-section provides a view of the North American continent at a scale that emphasizes relationships between orogens rather than detailed patterns within orogens.

Detailed scientific results from individual transects are outstanding. In addition to the pan-LITHOPROBE compilation, the lecture will highlight such results from the region where the lecture is being presented. The focus will be on lithospheric structure and tectonic evolution as revealed by the multidisciplinary studies from the applicable individual transects.

Economic contributions from LITHOPROBE derive from new technology developments, new understanding of regional tectonics and its relevance for stimulation of exploration, and the application of new approaches that benefit the base- and precious-metal, uranium and diamond industries. Social contributions include improved understanding of the hazards of large earthquakes on the west coast, public education and outreach, and the training of hundreds of highly qualified masters, doctoral and postdoctoral students in an environment of multidisciplinary collaboration.