Global plate boundary evolution and kinematics since the late Paleozoic

Matthews++_SummaryFigCitation

Matthews, K.J., Maloney, K.T., Zahirovic, S., Williams, S.E., Seton, M., and Müller, R.D. (2016). Global plate boundary evolution and kinematics since the late Paleozoic, Global and Planetary Change, 146, 226-250. DOI: 10.1016/j.gloplacha.2016.10.002

Abstract

Many aspects of deep-time Earth System models, including mantle convection, paleoclimatology, paleobiogeography and the deep Earth carbon cycle, require high-resolution plate models that include the evolution of the mosaic of plate boundaries through time. We present the first continuous late Paleozoic to present-day global plate model with evolving plate boundaries, building on and extending two previously published models for the late Paleozoic (410–250 Ma) and Mesozoic-Cenozoic (230–0 Ma). We ensure continuity during the 250–230 Ma transition period between the two models, update the absolute reference frame of the Mesozoic-Cenozoic model and add a new Paleozoic reconstruction for the Baltica-derived Alexander Terrane, now accreted to western North America. This 410–0 Ma open access model provides a framework for deep-time whole Earth modelling and acts as a base for future extensions and refinement.

This model is available with a default mantle reference frame, a hybrid reference frame using moving hotspots and a true polar wander corrected paleomagnetic reference frame (see paper for details) as well as with a paleomagnetic reference frame. For times before 83 Ma, the Pacific is shifted to maintain relative motions with the circum-Pangea continents – largely due to the fact that no paleomagnetic reference frames exist that extend to the birth age of the Pacific Plate. The paleomagnetic reference frame is based on data from Torsvik, T. H., Van der Voo, R., Preeden, U., Mac Niocaill, C., Steinberger, B., Doubrovine, P. V., van Hinsbergen, D. J., Domeier, M., Gaina, C., and Tohver, E., 2012, Phanerozoic polar wander, palaeogeography and dynamics: Earth-Science Reviews, v. 114, no. 3, p. 325-368, DOI: 10.1016/j.earscirev.2012.06.007.

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Ocean Basin Evolution and Global-Scale Plate Reorganization Events Since Pangea Breakup

Author List: Dietmar Müller, Maria Seton, Sabin Zahirovic, Simon Williams, Kara Matthews, Nicky Wright, Grace Shephard, Kayla Maloney, Nicholas Barnett-Moore, Maral Hosseinpour, Dan Bower and John Cannon. Citation: Müller, R.D., Seton, M., Zahirovic, S., Williams, S.E., Matthews, K.J., Wright, N.M., Shephard, G.E., Maloney, K.T., Barnett-Moore, N., Hosseinpour, M., Bower, D.J., & Cannon, J. (2016). Ocean Basin Evolution and … Read more…

Ocean basin evolution and global-scale plate reorganization events since Pangea breakup

Seafloor ages from Müller et al.

Seafloor ages from Müller et al.Citation
Müller R.D., Seton, M., Zahirovic, S., Williams, S.E., Matthews, K.J., Wright, N.M., Shephard, G.E., Maloney, K.T., Barnett-Moore, N., Hosseinpour, M., Bower, D.J., Cannon, J., 2016. Ocean basin evolution and global-scale plate reorganization events since Pangea breakup, Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Vol 44, 107-138. DOI: 10.1146/annurev-earth-060115-012211.

Abstract
We present a revised global plate motion model with continuously closing plate boundaries ranging from the Triassic at 230 Ma to the present day, assess differences between alternative absolute plate motion models, and review global tectonic events. Relatively high mean absolute plate motion rates around 9–10 cm yr-1 between 140 and 120 Ma may be related to transient plate motion accelerations driven by the successive emplacement of a sequence of large igneous provinces during that time. … Read more…

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Dietmar Müller attends Australian open research data showcase in Canberra

ANDS Showcase June 2015Today Prof Dietmar Müller attended the Australian open research data showcase in Canberra. The showcase featured a variety of talks and discussions around the benefits and issues concerning open research data. It was an important milestone towards consolidating the Australian effort towards involving Universities and individual researchers in sharing their data.

A highlight was Ian Chubb’s presentation that pointed out that if you look at all papers published in the last 115 years, about 50% were either never cited or only cited once. The hope is that open access publications and associated open research data will improve these sorts of statistics. George Bernard Shaw was quoted by geologist Geoffrey Boulton (Univ. Edinburgh) as pointing out: “If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. … Read more…

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ANDS-MODC

ANDS logoEarthByte, in collaboration with The University of Sydney Library and ICT department, is involved in an important ANDS-MODC funded project to ensure that EarthByte data collections are supported by a robust data management regime. This is to enhance the sustainability, discoverability and re-use of these resources.  … Read more…

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Tectonics – The Late Jurassic to present evolution of the Andean margin: Drivers and the geological record

Maloney, K. T., Clarke, G. L., Klepeis, K. A., & Quevedo, L. (2013). The Late Jurassic to present evolution of the Andean margin: Drivers and the geological record. Tectonics, 32(5), 1049-1065. doi: 10.1002/tect.20067. The Late Jurassic to present evolution of the Andean margin: Drivers and the geological record

EarthByte to attend AGU 2011

EarthByte group members Dietmar Müller, Adriana Dutkiewicz, Nicolas Flament, Leonardo Quevedo, Maria Seton, Simon Williams, Nathaniel Butterworth, Kayla Maloney and Kara Matthews are attending the AGU Fall Meeting 2011 in San Francisco, USA from 5-9 December, 2011. Click here for more details about the AGU Fall Meeting

Journal of Metamorphic Geology – Crustal growth during back-arc closure: Cretaceous exhumation history of Cordillera Darwin, southern Patagonia

Maloney, K. T., Clarke, G. L., Klepeis, K. A., Fanning, C. M., & Wang, W. (2011). Crustal growth during back‐arc closure: Cretaceous exhumation history of Cordillera Darwin, southern Patagonia. Journal of Metamorphic Geology,29(6), 649-672. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1314.2011.00934.x. Download the paper – pdf

Pyrites of the Caribbean win soccer comp

Great news! The Pyrites of the Caribbean won the Sydney Uni Social Lunchtime mixed soccer comp!!! The semi-final was 6-5 with the Pyrites beating the undefeated team “The Pretenders”, and the final game score was 1-1 and went to golden goal. Nathan scored the winning goal with one minute to spare! Woo! Well done to … Read more…

Kayla Maloney awarded University of Sydney Postgraduate Research Prize

Congratulations to PhD student Kayla Maloney who has been awarded a University of Sydney Postgraduate Research Prize for Outstanding Academic Achievement, based on her paper “Crustal growth during back-arc closure: Cretaceous exhumation history of Cordillera Darwin, southern Patagonia” in J. Metamorphic Petrology (Maloney et al., 2011). Well done Kayla!