ABSTRACT: Calcul de l'erosion a long-term en region de socle de grands astroblemes du Quebec et de France. [Long-term erosion calculation in basement domains around large astroblemes of Quebec and France].

CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Abstract

Morphometric characteristics of complex impact craters are used in order to develop a new calculation method of long-term erosion. This one is based on an assessment of the eroded bedrock thickness around an astrobleme, a morphologically degraded impact crater. First, the initial crater morphometry is reconstructed, in order to determine the elevation of the pre-impact surface. Two morphometric parameters are used : the diameter of the impact structure and its true depth, i.e. the height difference between the pre-impact surface and the bottom of the polymictic impact breccias. A relationship between both parameters was established from a database of 31 morphologically well-preserved terrestrial complex impact craters. This calculation method was applied to four Devonian to Triassic large astroblemes located in Quebec (Charlevoix, Manicouagan, Clear Water Lake) and the western French Massif Central (Rochechouart). Bedrock thicknesses eroded around these astroblemes since their formation are evaluated between 100 and 2 000 m. Post-impact mean erosion rates are relatively low, with values ranging from 1 to 10 m/Ma. In Quebec, the long-term erosion on the southeastern edge of the Canadian Shield (Laurentides) during the Phanerozoic times seems have been from 2 to 4 times higher than the one in the interior (Labrador).

Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology