Plate tectonics

Keywords plate tectonics, sedimentary basins, source rocks, maturation, migration, reservoir rocks, traps, seismic, gravity survey, magnetic survey, geochemistry, mudlogs, field studies. 

The solid plates that resulted from the cooling process at the surface of the eanli were able to float on the remaining molten inner portion of the earth. Because of the rotational motion of the earth about its own axis and the earth s motion in the solar system, inertial and gravitational forces have produced great interactive forces between the plates. It is speculated that these interactive forces have led to plate contact and situations where one plate has slid over another. The great forces created by plate tectonics are likely responsible for the forces that have resulted in the folding and faulting of the earth s crust [30j. 

The energy that powers terrestrial processes is derived primarily from the sun and from the Earth s internal heat production (mostly radioactive decay). Solar energy drives atmospheric motions, ocean circulation (tidal energy is minor), the hydrologic cycle, and photosynthesis. The Earth s internal heat drives convection that is largely manifested at the Earth s surface by the characteristic deformation and volcanism associated with plate tectonics, and by the hotspot volcanism associated with rising plumes of especially hot mantle material. 

Gobert, J. D., Clement, J. J. (1999). Effects of student-generated diagrams versus studentgenerated summaries on conceptual understanding of causal and dynamic knowledge in plate tectonics. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 56(1), 39-53. 

The great variety of mineral deposits of Japan reflects the complex geotectonic environments. An intimate relationship exists between igneous and hydrothermal activity, which in turn reflects the plate tectonic history of Japan. Many Japanese ore deposits have produced many different metals, and they contain almost all common and useful minerals, although many deposits are small in size. 

Isozaki, Y. and Maruyama, S. (1991) Studies on orogeny based on plate tectonics in Japan and new geotectonic subdivision of the Japanese Islands. J. Geography, 100, 697-761 (in Japanese). 

Nishiwaki, C. and Yasui, T. (1974) Submarine mineral resources and plate tectonics. Kagaku (Science), 44, 247-255 (in Japanese). 

It is suggested that the mode of subduction of the Pacific Plate since the middle Miocene age related to Jackson s episode, hence oscillation of direction of lateral movement of Pacific plate. Synchronized igneous and hydrothermal activities and Jackson s episode indicate that the formations and characteristics of hydrothermal ore deposits (Kuroko and epithermal vein-type deposits) are largely influenced by plate tectonics (mode of subduction, direction of plate movement, etc.). For example, sulfur isotopic composition of sulfides is not controlled by /o and pH, but by of... 

Potts PJ, Hawkesworth CJ, van Casteren P, Wright IP (1993) In Pritchard H M, Alabaster X Harris NBW, Neary CD, eds. Magmatic Processes and Plate Tectonics, pp 501-520. Geological Society Special Publication No 76. 

Gill JB (1981) Orogenic Andesites and Plate Tectonics. Springer-Verlag, New York Gill JB, Williams RW (1990) Th isotope and U-series studies of subduction-related voleanie rocks. Geoehim Cosmochim Acta 54 1427-1442... 

Many properties and characteristics of the Earth are determined by plate tectonics, according to the theory of which the lithosphere is not a closed shell instead it consists of about a dozen large, rigid plates. These are constantly in motion—on a geological timescale. Each of the plates moves as an independent unit and swims on the softer, but more dense, asthenosphere (Press and Siever, 1995). 

Bethke, C. M. and S. Marshak, 1990, Brine migrations across North America - The plate tectonics of groundwater. Annual Review Earth and Planetary Sciences 18,287-315. 

Minor intra-plate tectonics and isostatic rebound after glaciation have fractured the... 

Shallow-water embayments provide a mechanism to isolate seawater so that evaporation can raise salt ion concentrations. Arid climates are required to ensure that the rate of water loss from evaporation exceeds the rate of water supply by rainfell, groundwater seeps, or river runoff. Seawater can be resupplied continuously via a type of antiestuar-ine circulation as illustrated in Figure 17.2 or episodically as a result of sea level change, plate tectonics, or very high tides and storm surges. 

Following burial, marine sediments are recycled via two pathways a crustal route or a mantle route. In the crustal route, burial followed by diagenesis, catagenesis, and metagenesis transfers sediments into either sedimentary or metamorphic rocks. These rocks are eventually uplifted onto land by crustal motions associated with plate tectonics. In the mantle recycling route, sediments and sedimentary rocks are subducted at... 

Plate tectonics The theory that posits crustal plate movement is caused by seafloor spreading and subduction. 

Tectonism Earthquake, volcanic, and other crustal motions associated with the process of plate tectonics. 

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