Planet-scale reorganizations of the plate-mantle system
2009-2011
Major punctuations in the equilibrium of Earth's plate-mantle system are
relatively frequent and have massive consequences influencing plate
deformation, sea-level evolution, seismicity and mineral deposits,
but their driving forces are unknown. We propose to unravel the causes of
sudden plate tectonic reorganizations using a recently developed
methodology. We focus on major global events at about 50 and 100 million
years ago, well constrained by observations from the ocean basins and
margins. The knowledge-base derived from this work will constrain the forces
involved in the formation and evolution of fold belts and sedimentary
basins.
Participants:
Dietmar Muller
Gabriele Morra.