--> Abstract: Global Wrench Tectonics - Earth History in New Perspective, by K.M. Storetvedt; #90072 (2007)

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Global Wrench Tectonics - Earth History in New Perspective

K.M. Storetvedt
University of Bergen, Bergen, N-5007, Norway

A new global geological theory - a degassing Earth model for which the driving forces are directly associated with changes in planetary rotation caused by vertical mass transfer, is outlined. We are dealing with an Earth the internal constitution of which seems far from a state of thermo-chemical equilibrium. Carbon-silicon-iron hydrides, in buoyant movement up through the mantle and lower crust, react with water and oxygen, thereby producing heat - a necessary prerequisite for melt production and magmatic activity. Degassing would provide an effective way for outward element transport giving rise to a redistribution of the internal mass thereby affecting the planet's moment of inertia and providing the impetus for the diversity of surface geological expressions. Following from the basic precepts, it is the chain of predictions, as to the specific geodynamic, tectonomagmatic, environmental, biological, physiographic and other processes, that form the basis of the new global theory. The tectonic evolution of the Tethyan belt is given particular attention, paving the way for new understanding of the origin and distribution of major salt basins and prolific hydrocarbon provinces.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90072 © 2007 AAPG and AAPG European Region Conference, Athens, Greece