Plate tectonic modelling and the energy transition

Wrobel-Daveau, Jean-Christophe; Nicoll, Graeme; Tetley, Michael; Gréselle, Benjamin; Pérez-Díaz, Lucía; Davies, Andrew; Eglington, B. M.

doi:10.1016/j.earscirev.2022.104227

Cited by 6 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 113 publications

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“…Plate reconstruction models are widely used as both inputs and constraints for studies in a range of different scientific fields, including climate and ocean circulation modelling 1 , 2 , natural resource prospecting 3 – 5 , and geodynamic modelling 6 , 7 . These kinematic models use magnetic anomalies, fracture zones and hotspot tracks on surviving seafloor, combined with continental paleomagnetic data and geological evidence, to describe the motion of the Earth’s surface through deep time 8 – 10 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing plate reconstruction models using plate driving force consistency tests

Clennett

Holt

Tetley

et al. 2023

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Plate reconstruction models are constructed to fit constraints such as magnetic anomalies, fracture zones, paleomagnetic poles, geological observations and seismic tomography. However, these models do not consider the physical equations of plate driving forces when reconstructing plate motion. This can potentially result in geodynamically-implausible plate motions, which has implications for a range of work based on plate reconstruction models. We present a new algorithm that calculates time-dependent slab pull, ridge push (GPE force) and mantle drag resistance for any topologically closed reconstruction, and evaluates the residuals—or missing components—required for torques to balance given our assumed plate driving force relationships. In all analyzed models, residual torques for the present-day are three orders of magnitude smaller than the typical driving torques for oceanic plates, but can be of the same order of magnitude back in time—particularly from 90 to 50 Ma. Using the Pacific plate as an example, we show how our algorithm can be used to identify areas and times with high residual torques, where either plate reconstructions have a high degree of geodynamic implausibility or our understanding of the underlying geodynamic forces is incomplete. We suggest strategies for plate model improvements and also identify times when other forces such as active mantle flow were likely important contributors. Our algorithm is intended as a tool to help assess and improve plate reconstruction models based on a transparent and expandable set of a priori dynamic constraints.

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