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About Keith Patton
Expertise
I can answer questions concerning physical and historical geology, environmental geology/hydrology, environmental consulting, remote sensing/aerial photo interpretation, G&G computer applications, petroleum exploration, drilling, geochemistry, geochemical and microbiological prospecting, 3D reservoir modeling, computer mapping and drilling.I am not a geophysicist.

Experience
I have 24 years experience split between the petroleum and environmental industries. I have served as an expert witness in remote sensing, developmental geologist, exploration geologist, enviromental project manager, and subject matter expert in geology and geophysical software development.

Organizations
American Association of Petroleum Geologists
American Association of Photogrammetrists and Remote Sensing

Education/Credentials
Bachelor and Master of Science
Registered Geologist in State of Texas

You are here: Experts > Science > Geology > Geology > Question about cratons?

Geology - Question about cratons?

Expert: Keith Patton - 11/1/2009

Question
QUESTION: Dear Keith Patton,
Recently I came across an article in which it was stated that craton are part of mountains. Actually they are mountain roots. Because of erosion of above of mountain ranges they form craton. You can even see the article here

http://webspinners.com/dlblanc/tectonic/craton.php

So is it true that craton are roots of eroded mountain ranges?

ANSWER: Yes> It is generally understood from the dating of the remaining cratonic rocks, the mineral assemblages, and structures present (folds faulting etc) that the cratons are very old remnants of mountain ranges that have been eroded.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Keith Patton,
As you said that cratons are eroded part of mountain ranges. Thus are mountain roots. So is there any geological function of cratons/mountain roots?

Answer
They are the oldest rocks on Earth, and as such form the core of the continents. Newer rocks have been accreted to and deposited on the margins of the cratons forming new additions to the continental mass. So you could say that the cratonic rocks provided source material for terrestrial sedimentary rocks as well as a platform onto which new sediments were deposited upon and oceanic sediments were accreted to.

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