Secular change and the onset of plate tectonics on Earth
Overview
Paper Summary
Evidence suggests a global-scale initiation of plate tectonics no later than c. 3 Ga. Earlier apparent subduction events may be attributed to localized plume-induced subduction initiation, which did not develop into a stable global network until the Mesoarchean or later.
Explain Like I'm Five
Scientists found that Earth's giant puzzle pieces, called plates, started moving all over the world about 3 billion years ago. Before that, only tiny parts moved here and there, not the whole planet's surface.
Possible Conflicts of Interest
None identified
Identified Limitations
Rating Explanation
This review provides a valuable synthesis of existing evidence regarding the onset of plate tectonics, covering petrological, tectonic, geochemical, isotopic, and geodynamic modeling approaches. The review acknowledges uncertainties and unresolved issues, suggesting directions for future research.
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