The significance of Antarctica for studies of global geodynamics
Open-File Report
2007-1047-KP-10
By: R. Sutherland
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Abstract
Antarctica has geometric significance for global plate kinematic studies, because it links seafloor spreading systems of
the African hemisphere (Indian and Atlantic Oceans) with
those of the Pacific. Inferences of plate motions back to 44
Ma, around the onset of rapid spreading south of Australia
and formation of a new boundary through New Zealand, are
consistent with Antarctic rifting and formation of the Adare
Basin during 44-26 Ma (i.e., no additional plate motions
are required in the South Pacific). The time period 52-44
Ma represents a profound global and South Pacific tectonic
change, and significant details remain unresolved. For 74 Ma
a significant nonclosure of the South Pacific plate-motion circuit is identified if Antarctic motion is not included. Alternate
inferences of motion through Antarctica during the interval
74-44 Ma imply significantly different subduction volumes
and directions around the Pacific, and imply different relative
motions between hotspots
Suggested Citation
Sutherland, R., 2007, The significance of Antarctica for studies of global geodynamics: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2007-1047-KP-10, 10 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20071047KP10.
ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | The significance of Antarctica for studies of global geodynamics |
| Series title | Open-File Report |
| Series number | 2007-1047-KP-10 |
| DOI | 10.3133/ofr20071047KP10 |
| Year Published | 2007 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | National Academies Press |
| Publisher location | Washington, DC |
| Description | 10 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Report |
| Larger Work Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Larger Work Title | Antarctica: A Keystone in a Changing World--Online Proceedings for the Tenth International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences. Santa Barbara, California, U.S.A.--August 26 to September 1, 2007 |
| First page | 115 |
| Last page | 124 |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |