Sink or swim: The fate of sinking tectonic plates depends on their ancient tectonic histories

Sink or Swim: The fate of sinking tectonic plates depends on their ancient tectonic histories

New findings provide a greater understanding of plate subduction, or how tectonic plates slide beneath one another. This recycling of surface materials and volatile elements deep into the Earth's interior, can impact long-term climate stability, atmospheric balance, and the habitability of our planet over billions of years.

Sink or swim: The fate of sinking tectonic plates depends on their ancient tectonic histories

Newly published research has revealed that compositional rock anomalies within oceanic plates caused by ancient tectonics influence the trajectory and speed of the plates as they plunge deep into Earth's mantle.

Fate Of Tectonic Plates Depends On Their Ancient Histories

Eddie Gonzales Jr. – MessageToEagle.com – Newly published research has revealed that compositional rock anomalies within oceanic plates caused by ancient tectonics influence the trajectory and speed of the plates as they plunge deep into Earth’s mantle. Tectonic setting and seismic networks used in this study. Image source Between depths of 410 and 660 kilometers […]

Ancient history determines the fate of subducting tectonic plates

New research reveals a surprising link between the ancient tectonic history of oceanic plates and their fate as they subduct into Earth’s mantle. Compositional anomalies, formed millions of years ago, significantly influence their descent speed and trajectory The dynamic process of plate tectonics, where massive lithospheric plates constantly shift and interact, is fundamental to our planet’s long-term stability. A key aspect of this process is …

Sink or Swim: the fate of sinking tectonic plates depends on their ancient tectonic histories

New findings provide a greater understanding of how tectonic plates move