Plate Tectonics

ContentsForewordPrefaceChapter 1: IntroductionChapter 2: Definition Consequences LimitationsChapter 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 MechanismChapter 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 PatternChapter 5: Movements Relative to a Frame External to the Plates . . Introduction Reference Frames "Absolute" Movement Determination Paleomagnetic Pole Determination Paleomagnetism In Oceans Paleomagnetic SynthesisChapter 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 CrustChapter 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 GeologyAppendixReferences