A mathematical paper by Ross Gunn (Journal of the Franklin Institute, volume 224, pages 19–53, 1937) gives a mountain building theory which makes possible the calculation of certain structural dimensions in terms of thickness and strength of the geologic elements involved. The present paper applies various formulae from Gunn’s paper to the calculation of width and amplitude of folds, to basin widths and depths, and to mountain heights of the Appalachian Mountain system. The numerical values resulting are in surprisingly good agreement with previously published values measured or estimated from the known geology of the area. A brief discussion is also given of the theoretical interpretation, by Gunn’s theory, of the large isostatic gravity anomaly here as due to possible crustal stress.
On the pitfalls of Airy isostasy and the isostatic gravity anomaly in general
