Volcanic contribution to crustal growth in the Central Andes: A new estimate and a discussion of uncertainties

Volcanism above subduction zones is a major mechanism for crustal growth and compared to some other proposed processes calculation of growth rates is relatively easy given accurate volumes and ages of volcanic material. Francis and Rundie (1976) first used this approach in a small region of the Central Andes, and extrapolated their result to the entire Central Andean arc. The derived rate of 3 to 4.2 x 10 to the minus 6th cubic km yr/km of arc length is compared with an independent estimate based upon a reconnaissance census of all major volcanoes in the Central Andes.