Title: The evolution of the earth's crust: Modern plate tectonics to ancient hot spot tectonics?
Abstract: Present models of crust formation and destruction are reviewed. The importance of the continental erosion—hydrosphere—subduction linkage is stressed. Convective cooling of new ocean crust is a major process involved in the geochemical cycle. Whether or not continental accretion or removal is occurring depends critically on the mass of sediment subducted. Models of the evolution of crust are reviewed but it is suggested that the various influences of seawater—volcanic convective interaction were much greater in the past. It is proposed that massive mixing processes occur near the base of the continental crust when mantle magmas are ponded near the Moho interface and this process is responsible for the general geochemistry of granitic magmas. In general, ancient motions may suggest that "hot spot" phenomena dominated compared to modern ocean-floor spreading processes.
Publication Year: 1978
Publication Date: 1978-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 298
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot