Thoughts on the tectonics of folded belts

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Abstract
Summary: Balanced cross sections and their palinspastic reconstruction in structurally simple external zones of folded belts suggest that a limited amount of continental lithosphere was subducted (Ampferer or A-subduction). This process appears to be associated with preceding or synchronous basement remobilization. Therefore, the rigid or ductile nature and the timing of basement deformation remain as some of the most important orogenic problems. Decoupling and ductility contrasts within the lower continental crust and within the overlying sedimentary sequences are responsible for varying structural styles in mountain ranges. Gravity gliding as an important factor for mountain building is examined in some detail. Soft sediment gravity tectonics on passive continental margins are dominated by listric normal growth faults. This style contrasts with observed styles of deformation in folded belts. Gravity tectonics induced by stretching of the underlying basement area is commonly observed during the rifting phase of passive continental margins and in episutural basins associated with orogenic systems.