--> Abstract: Synthesizing Global -Spheres (I. E., Atmospheres, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere) as Interrelating Components of a Planetary Whole, by A. Lowrie and R. L. Reynolds; #90090 (2009).

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Synthesizing Global -Spheres (I. E., Atmospheres, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere) as Interrelating Components of a Planetary Whole

Lowrie, Allen 1; Reynolds, R Lane 2
1 Self, Picayune, MS.
2 Self, Poplarville, MS.

There exist various -spheres through planet Earth. These include from top to planet center: atmosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere, sedimentosphere, lithosphere, mantle, and core with biosphere interwined with several layers. These layers have differing characteristics, yet each layer contains boundry zones within which adjacent layers interact and modify the host -sphere. Extent and type of boundry zone interaction/penetration on a given host-layer is varied, ranging from no interaction to bisecting the host. When sufficient energy and time is associated to an interaction, such interactions actually bisect a host layer, i. e., magma from mantle passing through lithosphere.

The overall extent of interaction between layers is not governed/limited by characteristics such as density, mechanical strength, heat or ability to cause chemical reactions. Each laye-type appears to have the ability to strongly influence all others with extent of interactions crudely known. Water, descending along fractures/migration routes, from hydrosphere has been found at greatest depths ever drilled along Kolla Peninsula along with methane traces from abiologic generation. Combination of breakage, methane gases locally generated, and liquids implies that overall mechanical strength of lithosphere must be variable. Trans-lithosphere regional stresses occur, yet occurs in the context of mechanical weakness.

Seismic tomography is an remote sensing technique whose resolution is measured in tens to hundreds of miles. These data reveal units of variability--differences in velocity-- being juxtaposed. These juxtapositionings occur in both lithosphere and mantle provinces. Given variations In strength and one -sphere/layer being plastic/molton and the other rigid implies ranges of interaction on regional scales from mechanical collisions to dissemination.

Synthesizing how global -spheres/layers interact through transmission of stresses, materials, fluids, and heat is a next-step in modeling basin evolution and hydrocarbon generation.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90090©2009 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Denver, Colorado, June 7-10, 2009