Accurate spatial models of tectonic plates and geological landforms are essential for the analysis and interpretation of a wide variety of geological data and for developing structural and physical models of the lithosphere. In a new study, scientists from the Universities of Adelaide, Tasmania, Nevada-Reno and Geoscience Australia created new models for tectonic plates that provide new insights into Earth’s history.
The models show how the continents were assembled. Compared to existing models, this improves the relationship between earthquake and volcanic events observed within deformation zones and microplates.
Dr. Derrick Hesterok, Lecturer, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Adelaide, who led the team that created the new model, said, “We looked at current knowledge of the configuration of plate boundary regions and the past formation of continental crust.”
“The continents were assembled like a puzzle a few pieces at a time, but each time the puzzle was finished, it was cut up and reorganized to form a new picture. Our study helped illuminate the different components.” so that geologists can piece together past images.”
“We found that the plate boundary area is about 16 percent of the Earth’s crust and an even greater proportion, 27 percent, of the continents.”
“Our new model for tectonic plates better explains the spatial distribution of 90 percent of earthquakes and 80 percent of volcanoes over the past two million years, while existing models capture only 65 percent of earthquakes.”
The scientists created three new geological models: a plate model, a province model and an orogeny model.
26 orogenies (mountain formation processes) have left their mark on the current architecture of the crust. Many, but not all, of these are associated with the formation of the supercontinent. This new work allows scientists to map the formation of tectonic plates and continents.
The Macquarie Microplate, located south of Tasmania, and the Makar Microplate, which separates the Indian and Australian plates, are among additional microplates in the revised plate model. Other data (exact) were added to further enrich the model regarding the boundaries of deformation fields: previous models showed these as discrete regions rather than as broad regions.
Dr. Hesterok said, “The greatest changes in the plate model have occurred in western North America, with a boundary often along the drawn Pacific Plate such as the San Andreas and Queen Charlotte Faults. But the newly delimited boundary is roughly 1,500 times the narrower area previously drawn. km wider.”
“The other big change is in Central Asia. The new model now includes all deformation zones north of India as the plate makes its way into Eurasia.
“Our new model for tectonic plates better explains the spatial distribution of 90 percent of earthquakes and 80 percent of volcanoes over the past two million years, while existing models capture only 65 percent of earthquakes.”
“The plate model can be used to improve models of risk from geohazards; the orogeny model helps to understand geodynamic systems and better model the evolution of the Earth, and the province model can be used in prospecting for minerals.” improvement can be made.”
Journal Reference:
- Derrick Hesterok et al. New maps of global geological provinces and tectonic plates. DOI: 10.1016/j.earscirev.2022.104069
