Plate Tectonics

Developments in Geotectonics, 6: Plate Tectonics focuses on the exposition of the plate-tectonics hypothesis, as well as plate boundaries, stratification, and kinematics. The book first offers information on the rheological stratification of the mantle and kinematics of relative movements. Topics include lithosphere, asthenosphere, kinematics of finite motions, measurements of instantaneous movements, and worldwide kinematic pattern. The text then ponders on movements relative to a frame external to the plates and processes at accreting plate boundaries. Discussions focus on reference frames, paleomagnetic synthesis, creation of oceanic crust, and continental rifts. The publication elaborates on processes at consuming plate boundaries, including sinking plate model, structure of trenches and associated island arcs and cordilleras, and consumption of continent-bearing lithosphere. The text is a valuable source of data for readers interested in plate tectonics.

Contents

Foreword

Preface

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Definition

Consequences

Limitations

Chapter 3: Rheological Stratification of the Mantle

Lithosphere

Introduction

Definition

Thickness

Thermal Structure of the Oceanic Lithosphere

Topographic Expression of the Thermal Structure

Elasticity of the Lithosphere

Depth of the Low-Velocity Zone

Comparison of Oceanic and Continental Lithosphere

Mechanical Properties

Asthenosphere

Definition

Structure and Thickness

Mechanical Properties

The Long-Wavelength Gravity Anomalies and The Upper Mantle

The Lithosphere As A Stress-Guide

The Driving Mechanism

Chapter 4: Kinematics of Relative Movements

Introduction

Instantaneous Movements

On A Plane Earth

On A Spherical Earth

Kinematics of Finite Motions

Introduction

Theory of Finite Rotations

Evolution of Triple Point Junction

Measurements of Instantaneous Movements

Methods of Measurements of Relative Velocity

Methods of Measurement of Direction of Relative Motion

Calculation of Instantaneous Relative Angular Velocity Between Plates and Estimation of Errors

Present Worldwide Kinematic Pattern

Six-Plate Model: Limitations •

Present Knowledge

Twelve-Plate Model

Kinematic Pattern of the Red Sea and East Africa Revisited

Measurements of Finite Movements

Fitting of Past Accreting Plate Boundaries

Use of Fossil Transform Faults

Determination of Kinematic Pattern

Chapter 5: Movements Relative to a Frame External to the Plates . .

Introduction

Reference Frames

"Absolute" Movement Determination

Paleomagnetic Pole Determination

Paleomagnetism In Oceans

Paleomagnetic Synthesis

Chapter 6: Processes at Accreting Plate Boundaries

Introduction

Creation and Evolution of Oceanic Lithosphere

Model

Choice of Physical Parameters

Fit To Distribution of Heat Flow and Topography

More Complex Models

The Creation of the Oceanic Crust

Introduction

Seismic Structure of the Crust

Composition of the Crust

Tectonic Activity at the Boundary

Continental Rifts

Introduction

The Rhine Graben As An Example of Continental Rift

Continental Margins

Introduction

Thermal Evolution

Loading By Sediments and Hot Creep

Limit Continental-Oceanic Crust

Chapter 7: Processes at Consuming Plate Boundaries

Introduction

Sinking Plate Model

Introduction

Thermal Regime of Sinking Lithospheric Plate

Structure of Trenches and Associated Island Arcs and Cordilleras .

Introduction

Surface Manifestations

Deep Manifestations: Seismicity

Surface Manifestation Behind Consuming Plate Boundaries

Volcanic and Plutonic Activity

Metamorphism

Vertical Tectonics and Accretion of Deformed Sediments Near The Consuming

Plate Boundary

"Melanges", Ophiolites and Hp/Lt Metamorphism

Plate Accretion Behind Consuming Plate Boundaries: Marginal Basins .

Consumption of Continent-Bearing Lithosphere

Plate Tectonics and Geology

Appendix

References