A plate-tectonic speed limit?

Meert, Joseph G.; Voo, Rob Van der; Powell, Christine; Li, Zheng‐Xiang; McElhinny, M. W.; Chen, Zhong; Symons, D. T. A.

doi:10.1038/363216a0

Cited by 103 publications

(32 citation statements)

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“…The maximum speed of~20 cm/yr was reached only briefly by two minor plates composed predominantly of oceanic lithosphere, the Cuyania and Popelogan-Victoria plates. The average plate speeds are mostly higher than those determined from Cenozoic kinematics, but they are not inconsistent with observational evidence of high plate speeds or the approximate thresholds derived from geodynamic considerations (Meert et al, 1993;Gurnis and Torsvik, 1994), and they are moreover similar to those inferred from a global plate model of the late Paleozoic (Domeier and Torsvik, 2014). Although plate speeds (in cm/yr) communicate an intuitive measure of plate movement, a more representative metric is a plate's rotation (Fig.…”

Section: Model Aspects and Comparisonsmentioning

confidence: 73%

A plate tectonic scenario for the Iapetus and Rheic oceans

2016

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Section: Model Aspects and Comparisonsmentioning

confidence: 73%

A plate tectonic scenario for the Iapetus and Rheic oceans

2016

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“…Finite element modelling suggests that this latter limiting velocity is reached when continental crust with thick lithosphere roots is subject to push forces away from regions of elevated deep-mantle temperatures or towards a deep-mantle cold region (Gurnis and Torsvik, 1994). Precambrian v RMS was evidently much lower than these limiting values and never appears to have attained episodic speeds in excess of 18 cm/year proposed during the Palaeozoic by for example, Meert et al (1993), Van der Voo (1994) and Kirschvink et al (1997). Whilst resolution of the Precambrian data may be inadequate to detect such rapid movements, with possible exceptions of a Coronation Loop at w1870 Ma (Mitchell et al, 2010) and results from the Neoproterozoic Akademikerbreen Group of Svalbard (Maloof et al, 2006) which may also identify signals of TPW, there are as yet no indications in the present data for very rapid movements comparable to the w90 oscillatory motions recognised in the Ediacaran (Abrajevitch and Van der Voo, 2010) and SiluroeDevonian (Piper, 2006).…”

Section: Root Mean Square Velocity Analysismentioning

confidence: 95%

Continental velocity through Precambrian times: The link to magmatism, crustal accretion and episodes of global cooling

Piper

2013

Geoscience Frontiers

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a b s t r a c tQuasi-integrity of continental crust between Mid-Archaean and Ediacaran times is demonstrated by conformity of palaeomagnetic poles to near-static positions between w2.7e2.2 Ga, w1.5e1.2 Ga and w0.75e0.6 Ga. Intervening data accord to coherent APW loops turning at "hairpins" focused near a continental-centric location. Although peripheral adjustments occurred during Early Proterozoic (w2.2 Ga) and Grenville (w1.1 Ga) times, the crust retained a low order symmetrical crescent-shaped form constrained to a single global hemisphere until break-up in Ediacaran times. Conformity of palaeomagnetic data to specific Eulerian parameters enables definition of a master Precambrian APW path used to estimate the root mean square velocity (v RMS ) of continental crust between 2.8 and 0.6 Ga. A long interval of little polar movement between w2.7 and 2.2 Ga correlates with global magmatic shutdown between w2.45 and 2.2 Ga, whilst this interval and later slowdown at w0.75e0.6 Ga to velocities of <2 cm/year correlate with episodes of widespread glaciation implying that these prolonged climatic anomalies had an internal origin; the reduced input of volcanically-derived atmospheric greenhouse gases is inferred to have permitted freeze-over conditions with active ice sheets extending into equatorial latitudes as established by low magnetic inclinations in glaciogenic deposits. v RMS variations through Precambrian times correspond to the distribution of U-Pb ages in orogenic granitoids and detrital zircons and demonstrate that mobility of continental crust has been closely related to crustal tectonism and incrementation. Both periods of near-stillstand were followed by rapid v RMS recording massive heat release from beneath the continental lid at w2.2 and 0.6 Ga. The first coincided with the Lomagundi-Jatuli isotopic event and led to prolonged orogenesis accompanied by continental flooding and reconfiguration of the crust on the Earth's surface; the second led to continental break-up and instigated the comprehensive Plate Tectonics that has characterised Phanerozoic times. The Mesoproterozoic interval characterised by anorogenic magmatism correlates with low v RMS between w1.5 and 1.1 Ga. Insulation of the sub-continental mantle evidently permitted high temperature melting and weakening of the crustal lid to enable buoyant emplacement of large plutons at high crustal levels during this magmatic event unique to Mesoproterozoic and early Neoproterozoic times.Ó 2012, China University of Geosciences (Beijing) and Peking University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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“…Powell (1995) also favoured a south polar position for Neoproterozoic Laurentia and placed its present-day eastern margin adjacent to Baltica and a fully assembled Gondwana (the Pannotia supercontinent). The adoption of a south polar position for Laurentia at c. 575 Ma requires a rapid transition to lower latitudes by Mid-Cambrian time (Meert et al 1993). In contrast, Pisarevsky et al (2000) argued for an equatorial Laurentia in an effort to maintain a link between the Siberian craton and the arctic margin of Laurentia ( Fig.…”

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confidence: 99%

A palaeomagnetic and palaeobiogeographical perspective on latest Neoproterozoic and early Cambrian tectonic events

Meert

Lieberman

2004

JGS

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During the latest Neoproterozoic to Mid-Cambrian time (580-505 Ma ago), the Earth underwent significant changes in palaeogeography that included rifting of a possible supercontinent and the near simultaneous formation of a second, slightly smaller supercontinent. It is against this tectonic backdrop that the Cambrian radiation occurred. Although the general tectonic setting during this interval is fairly well constrained, models of the exact palaeogeography are controversial because of the lack of reliable palaeomagnetic data from some of the continental blocks. Palaeogeographical models based on palaeomagnetic data range from a high-latitude configuration for most continents, to a low-latitude configuration for most continents, or to rapid oscillations in continental configurations triggered by inertial changes within the planet. Palaeobiogeographical data can also be used to help constrain palaeogeographical models. To this end we use vicariance patterns in olenellid trilobites to determine their compatibility with three end-member palaeogeographical models derived from palaeomagnetic data for the Neoproterozoic and early Cambrian. The most congruent palaeogeographical model with respect to the palaeobiogeographical data described herein is the high-latitude configuration for most continents. Those palaeomagnetic models that predict inertial interchange true polar wander or multiple episodes of true polar wander differ significantly from the results from palaeobiogeography. The low-latitude palaeogeographical models also differ from the results from palaeobiogeography, but this may partly arise because of a lack of palaeomagnetic and palaeobiogeographical data from many parts of present-day South America and Africa.

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A plate-tectonic speed limit?

Cited by 103 publications

References 10 publications

A plate tectonic scenario for the Iapetus and Rheic oceans

A plate tectonic scenario for the Iapetus and Rheic oceans

Continental velocity through Precambrian times: The link to magmatism, crustal accretion and episodes of global cooling

A palaeomagnetic and palaeobiogeographical perspective on latest Neoproterozoic and early Cambrian tectonic events

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