Knowledge of tectonic plate motions through earth history is fundamental to unravelling the geological processes that operate both in the Earth's crust and deep inside our dynamic planet.
Plate motions govern the spatial distribution of the continents and oceans, and the jostling and collision of plates along their margins builds mountains, volcanoes and generates earthquakes. As the principal controlling factor in the long-term evolution of the geomorphology of the Earth, plate motions are slowly but surely modifying ocean circulation patterns, the climate, and the biosphere.
Positions of continents (upper right), surrounding oceans (middle) and underlying mantle relief (lower) at selected geological times. Based on paleomagnetic data, geophysical data of oceanic crust and mantle modelling.
The Center for Geodynamics at NGU is quantifying and predicting geological processes by mapping past plate motions, studying the underlying processes that cause plate motions, and investigating the consequences of plate motions through time for the evolving Earth. Various data sets (paleomagnetic data, potential field data, other geological and geophysical information) and tools (Gplates) are used to develop new kinematic models and construct paleogeographic maps for different regions worldwide. The group is actively involved in studying the amalgamation and destruction of supercontinents, modeling the evolution of continental margins and oceanic basins and mapping the Continent-Ocean-Transition regions.
Relevant Projects
Published: 04. February 2008