The new global tectonic map—Analyses and implications

Abstract

A full new tectonic model of the Earth is presented based a complete new tectonic interpretation carried out during a 10‐year project. It covers a huge amount of available geophysical and geological datasets, where ca. 11 000 tectonic elements such as faults and thrusts, transform faults, rift zones, passive margins and oceanic extension ridges and numerous other features have been mapped, and classified following the geological literature. The complete surface of the Earth has been subdivided into 1.180 larger and smaller tectonic terranes, in the domains of continental blocks, oceanic plates and mobile zones. Numerical multiscale statistical fabric analyses on orientation, length and area are presented on the digitised tectonic elements and the classified terranes using the first Digital Twin of the Earth. Graphical representation through maps with different projections and viewpoints, and planetary views, are presented to illustrate the new subdivision. Some important implications for plate tectonic reconstructions are being discussed.