What is Supporting the Sierra Nevada?

For almost a century, a debate has raged about the forces driving the uplift as well as maintaining the current elevations seen in the Sierra Nevada. This puzzle has forced geoscientists to question ideas that at first glance appeared to be fundamentals of mountain building and support.

To address this problem, there are two questions that must be answered:
 

What is and has been supporting this topography?

 

The questions will be answered in the following sections:

• Introduction and General Overview

• Cartoon History of the Sierra Nevada

• Model of Late Cenozoic Uplift

• Conclusions

• References Cited