Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Simon Williams, Nicky M. Wright, John Cannon, Nicolas Flament, R. Dietmar Mueller
Summary: The reconstruction of past seafloor ages allows us to quantify changes in plate tectonic forces, surface heat flow, ocean basin volume, and global sea level over geological time. By exploring possible distributions of seafloor ages from the late Paleozoic to present, researchers have found that fluctuations in global sea level may be largely driven by changes in mean seafloor age.
GEOSCIENCE FRONTIERS
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yu Ren, Jacob Geersen, Ingo Grevemeyer
Summary: Oceanic transform faults (OTFs) are an integral part of seafloor spreading and plate tectonics. A new study has systematically quantified the variations in transform morphology and their dependence on spreading rate and age-offset. The research found that the length, width, and depth of OTFs are more systematically correlated with age-offset than spreading rate. This supports recent geodynamic models that propose cross-transform extension scaling with age-offset as a key process in transform dynamics. Furthermore, OTFs with larger age-offsets tend to have longer, wider, and deeper valleys on a global scale.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Florent Szitkar, Laurent Gernigon, Anna Lim, Marco Broenner
Summary: We used regional magnetic and local multibeam bathymetric data to investigate a prominent high in the Norwegian-Greenland Sea. The magnetization distribution and magnetic gradients suggest a basaltic environment, ruling out the possibility of an Oceanic Core Complex. Instead, we propose that this high is a basaltic hill and the depth asymmetry is likely caused by seafloor subsidence triggered by sediment accumulation from the Bear Island Fan.
Article
Geology
Christian Hensen, Florian Scholz, Volker Liebetrau, Norbert Kaul, Marianne Nuzzo, Mark Schmidt, Luis Batista, Heinrich Villinger, Pedro Terrinha
Summary: This study presents the pore-fluid geochemistry and heat-flow data along the SWIM1 fault in the Horseshoe Abyssal Plain. The findings show the presence of deep-seated fluids with enriched Mg and CH4 interacting with carbonate rocks.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xuhui Wang, Xinghai Lang, Reiner Klemd, Yulin Deng, Juxing Tang
Summary: The study investigates the Permian-Triassic magmatism in the Lhasa Terrane through integrated geochemical and geochronological studies, proposing that collision-induced subduction transference may have triggered the subduction of the Neo-Tethys oceanic lithosphere. The magmatic rocks during the Early Permian and Late Triassic exhibit arc-related signatures, indicating northward subduction of Sumdo Paleo-Tethys and Neo-Tethys oceanic slabs respectively. The shift from alkaline to calc-alkaline magmatism within the SLT reflects a geodynamic transition from lithospheric extension to Andean-style orogenesis.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Arushi Saxena, Juliane Dannberg, Rene Gassmoeller, Menno Fraters, Timo Heister, Richard Styron
Summary: Mantle convection models provide insight into the forces driving plate motions on Earth. However, there is contradiction in existing studies on the balance of these forces and the impact of plate boundary geometry on surface deformation remains unknown. Our research shows that the plate boundary geometry of the Global Earthquake Model achieves the best fit to observed GPS data, highlighting the importance of discrete plate boundaries within oceans and distributed faults within continents.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jiawei Zuo, A. Alexander G. Webb, Tim E. Johnson, N. Ryan McKenzie, Christopher L. Kirkland, Hin Ching Ng, Chi Yu Lo
Summary: The study reveals that there is a significant increase in the contribution of high Δt(DZ) detrital zircons after 3.4 billion years, with samples from 3.4-2.8 billion years showing a higher mean Δt(DZ90) value compared to samples before 3.4 billion years. Zircons with >250 million year Δt(DZ) values only occur after around 3.23 billion years.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Michael A. Berry, Anthony R. Lowry, Xiaofei Ma, Ravi V. S. Kanda, Derek L. Schutt
Summary: Lithospheric heat transfer significantly affects volcanism, seismicity, and elevation. A study in the western United States reveals that regions with high heat flow and elevation have lower deep temperatures than predicted by traditional models. Hydration reactions caused by Farallon subduction and the advection of volatiles and melts may explain this discrepancy.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Peter Varga, Csilla Fodor
Summary: This study investigates whether there is a difference in the energy of plate tectonics processes during different geologic eras, and finds that the temporal variation in kinetic energy can be considered as a determining factor in the movement of tectonic plates.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Boris Marcaillou, Frauke Klingelhoefer, Muriel Laurencin, Jean-Frederic Lebrun, Mireille Laigle, Serge Lallemand, Laure Schenini, Aurelien Gay, Milton Boucard, Kingsley Ezenwaka, David Graindorge
Summary: Seismic and bathymetric data from the Northeastern Lesser Antilles Subduction Zone reveal a unique tectonic fabric characterized by sequences of Ridgeward-Dipping Reflectors, which may have been formed during the early stages of exhumation. Plate bending near the trench could have reactivated this fabric, enabling deep fluid circulation and serpentinization of basement rocks. Detachment faults in the oceanic basement at this subduction zone could be responsible for controlling reduced interplate seismicity through deep fluid circulation and serpentinization.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
J. Escuder-Viruete, F. J. Fernandez, F. Perez Valera, A. Medialdea
Summary: According to GPS measurements, the Caribbean plate is moving east-northeastward relative to the North American plate at a rate of about 20 mm/a. The Ocoa-Bonao-La Guacara fault zone (OBFZ) connects the Muertos submerged accretionary prism and the Peralta fold-and-thrust belt, accommodating the oblique motion. The OBFZ is important in regional seismic hazard assessment due to its potential to generate large earthquakes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Johnny Seales, Adrian Lenardic, Mark Richards
Summary: Despite planetary cooling and a lack of thermal equilibrium in the mantle, data-constrained numerical models show that the self-regulated mantle evolution, maintained by thermal and water cycling feedbacks, has allowed magma and volcanic activity to continue on Earth. Thus, the deep-water cycling and coupled feedback mechanisms have played a crucial role in maintaining a near-constant mantle viscosity and sustaining magmatic activity throughout Earth's history.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ariadna Mecho, Javier Sellanes, Jacopo Aguzzi
Summary: This study describes and quantifies litter from the seafloor of oceanic islands in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, noting a strong association with local artisanal fishing activity. The findings provide baseline information for local communities to improve management practices by understanding the potential sources of seafloor litter.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Renier Viltres, Sigurjon Jonsson, Abdulaziz O. Alothman, Shaozhuo Liu, Sylvie Leroy, Frederic Masson, Cecile Doubre, Robert Reilinger
Summary: The study of the present-day motion and internal deformation of the Arabian plate reveals its overall rigidity and minimal internal deformation, with localized strain likely due to anthropogenic activities and possible subsurface magmatic processes near its western margin.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Shuyang Sun, Ying Zhou
Summary: This study investigates the nature of the Earth's asthenosphere by analyzing seismic data recorded over 12 years. Strong reflections from the upper and lower boundaries of the asthenosphere are observed globally, with average depths of 120 and 255 km respectively. The reflections indicate a significant reduction in seismic velocity and suggest localized melt in the oceanic asthenosphere. The study also reveals that the asthenosphere is not a homogeneous layer and is likely associated with strong and heterogeneous small-scale convection in the oceanic mantle.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jiashun Hu, Michael Gurnis, Johann Rudi, Georg Stadler, R. Dietmar Muller
Summary: Research shows that the formation of the Hawaiian-Emperor Bend 50 million years ago was the result of a combination of changes in Pacific Plate motion and hotspot drift due to mantle plume dynamics. By using plate reconstructions and global dynamic models, researchers found that the disappearance of the Izanagi Plate contributed to a sudden change in plate motion, accounting for about half of the Hawaiian-Emperor Bend.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Hojat Shirmard, Ehsan Farahbakhsh, R. Dietmar Muller, Rohitash Chandra
Summary: This paper comprehensively reviews the implementation and adaptation of popular and recently established machine learning methods for processing different types of remote sensing data in mineral exploration. By combining remote sensing data and machine learning methods, the capability to efficiently map critical geological features for potential maps is demonstrated. Moreover, advanced methods such as deep learning show potential to process the new generation of remote sensing data with high spatial and spectral resolution.
REMOTE SENSING OF ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Bjorn H. Heyn, Clinton P. Conrad
Summary: This study uses numerical models and analytical relationships to investigate the relationship between surface heat flux anomalies and lithosphere thinning following plume-lithosphere interactions. By observing lithosphere thinning and increased surface heat flux, different-aged plume tracks can be identified even without volcanic activity.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Quentin Nicolas, Bruce Buffett
Summary: Recent geomagnetic observations show localized oscillations in the field's secular acceleration at high latitudes with a period of about 20 years. This study examines the hypothesis that these observations are the result of MAC waves generated in Earth's core. By evaluating several generation mechanisms using dynamo simulations, the Lorentz force is found to be the most effective in producing high-latitude MAC waves with amplitudes consistent with observed oscillations.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Junlin Hua, Karen M. Fischer, Thorsten W. Becker, Esteban Gazel, Greg Hirth
Summary: The asthenosphere is crucial for plate tectonics, as its low viscosity controls mantle convection that affects the Earth's surface. The origin and impact of partial melting in the asthenosphere remain unclear. Through analysis of seismic data, we found globally widespread evidence for a low-velocity zone at the base of the asthenosphere. This zone is most commonly detected in regions with higher upper-mantle temperatures and is likely a partially molten layer.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Maaike F. M. Weerdesteijn, John B. Naliboff, Clinton P. Conrad, Jesse M. Reusen, Rebekka Steffen, Timo Heister, Jiaqi Zhang
Summary: The redistribution of ice and ocean loading on Earth's surface causes solid Earth deformation and geoid changes. We present a new viscoelastic solid Earth deformation model in ASPECT, a parallel finite element code, and compare it with other codes. The results show good agreement and computational efficiency, making it suitable for investigating regional solid Earth deformation rates.
GEOCHEMISTRY GEOPHYSICS GEOSYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jyotirmoy Paul, Clinton P. P. Conrad, Thorsten W. W. Becker, Attreyee Ghosh
Summary: Despite the exposure to convective stresses throughout Earth's history, cratonic roots can resist mantle shearing due to their neutral density and higher strength. However, the excessive thickness and higher viscosity of cratons amplify coupling to underlying mantle flow, which could be destabilizing.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Rodrigo Chi-Duran, Bruce A. Buffett
Summary: The rapid growth of magnetic-field observations through SWARM and other satellite missions has led to the development of new approaches for their analysis. The method of dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) is used in this study to analyze the geomagnetic radial field and its secular variation at high latitudes. The analysis reveals five modes, with one representing a slowly evolving background state and the other four describing a pair of waves. These waves have periods of approximately 19.1 and 58.4 years, and their characteristics are consistent with previous predictions and reports.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ben R. Mather, R. Dietmar Mueller, Christopher P. Alfonso, Maria Seton, Nicky M. Wright
Summary: This article explores the relationship between thermochemical upwellings and plate subduction in transporting diamonds to the Earth's surface. A new method for calculating subduction angle is proposed to predict the timing of kimberlite eruptions. The study finds that subduction angles combined with peaks in slab flux can predict pulses of kimberlite eruptions. This research has significant potential applications in modeling the deep carbon and water cycles of the Earth and understanding subduction-related mineral deposits.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Samuel C. Boone, Fabian Kohlmann, Wayne Noble, Moritz Theile, Romain Beucher, Barry Kohn, Stijn Glorie, Martin Danisik, Renjie Zhou, Malcolm McMillan, Angus Nixon, Andrew Gleadow, Xiaodong Qin, Dietmar Mueller, Brent McInnes
Summary: Low-temperature thermochronology is a powerful tool for understanding the thermal evolution of rocks and minerals over time. A new tool for geospatial archival, analysis, and dissemination of thermochronology data has been developed. By placing regional datasets in their geological, geochemical, and geographic contexts, insights into tectono-thermal evolutions can be gained.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Florence D. C. Ramirez, Clinton P. Conrad, Kate Selway
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between the prominent seismic low-velocity zone (LVZ) and the low seismic Q zone (LQZ) in the oceanic low-viscosity asthenosphere, and suggests that small olivine grain sizes may be the cause of these seismic and rheological properties. A self-consistent analytical 1-D channel flow model is developed to determine the dominant flow patterns in the upper mantle, taking into account its rheology and its dependence on flow-modified grain-sizes, water content, and melt fraction. The study finds that a plug flow configuration best explains the LQZ in the asthenosphere, and this can be attributed to significant grain-size reduction due to extensive shearing across the asthenosphere.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Daria Holdenried-Chernoff, David A. King, Bruce A. Buffett
Summary: This paper introduces a stochastic fluid motion model for studying the generation of the geomagnetic field and obtains statistical properties similar to observations. This model helps to understand the long-term evolution of the geomagnetic field.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS A-MATHEMATICAL AND THEORETICAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Slah Boulila, Shanan E. Peters, R. Dietmar Mueller, Bilal U. Haq, Nathan Hara
Summary: The fossil record shows that biotic diversity has fluctuated quasi-cyclically throughout geological time, but the mechanisms behind these cycles remain unexplained. In this study, a common 36±1 million-year cycle was found in the diversity of marine genera, as well as in tectonic, sea-level, and macrostratigraphic data over the past 250 million years. It is suggested that this cycle is driven by geological forces and is likely related to cyclic continental inundations, leading to expanding and contracting ecological niches.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
R. Dietmar Muller, Nicolas Flament, John Cannon, Michael G. Tetley, Simon E. Williams, Xianzhi Cao, Omer F. Bodur, Sabin Zahirovic, Andrew Merdith
Summary: We present a tectonic-rules-based optimization approach to construct a plate motion model in a mantle reference frame covering the last billion years and use it as a constraint for mantle flow models. Our model results in net lithospheric rotation consistently below 0.25 degrees Myr(-1), in agreement with mantle flow models, while trench motions are confined to a relatively narrow range of -2 to +2 cm yr(-1) since 320 Ma, during Pangea stability and dispersal.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Lingyu Zhang, Kristoffer Szilas
Summary: This study presents new petrological and geochemical data for the Narssaq Ultramafic Body (NUB) in the Itsaq Gneiss Complex of SW Greenland. The results indicate that the ultramafic rocks of NUB are not mantle residues, but instead represent crustal cumulates derived from high-Mg magmas.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Rong Xu, Sarah Lambart, Oliver Nebel, Ming Li, Zhongjie Bai, Junbo Zhang, Ganglan Zhang, Jianfeng Gao, Hong Zhong, Yongsheng Liu
Summary: This study investigated the iron isotope compositions of Cenozoic basalts in Southeast China, finding significant variations related to different types of basalts and their respective sources.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
C. J. Ebinger, Miriam C. Reiss, Ian Bastow, Mary M. Karanja
Summary: The East African rift system is formed above mantle upwellings and the formation of rifts is related to lithospheric thinning and magmatic activity. The amount of splitting varies spatially and the fast axes are predominantly parallel to the orientation of the rifts. Thick lithospheric modules have less splitting and different orientations, which may indicate mantle plume flow. Splitting rotates and increases in strength as it enters the rift zones, suggesting that the anisotropy is mainly present at shallow depths.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Correction
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Ekaterina Rojas-Kolomiets, Owen Jensen, Michael Bizimis, Gene Yogodzinski, Lukas Ackerman
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Robert W. Nicklas, Igor S. Puchtel, Ethan F. Baxter
Summary: Oxygen fugacity is a fundamental parameter for understanding redox processes in igneous systems. This study compares the Fe-XANES oxybarometry method with the V-in-olivine method for evaluating fO(2) in MORB lavas. The results show that the V-in-olivine method is not applicable to samples with low MgO content, and that the majority of Archean komatiite sources have lower fO(2) than modern MORB.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Chunfei Chen, Stephen F. Foley, Sebastian Tappe, Huange Ren, Lanping Feng, Yongsheng Liu
Summary: The volatile components CO2 and H2O play a major role in mantle melting and heterogeneity. In this study, Ca isotopes were used to trace the lithological heterogeneity in alkaline magmatic rocks. The results revealed the presence of K-richterite and carbonate components as the source of alkaline magmas with low delta 44/40Ca values. These findings highlight the importance of Ca isotopes as a robust tracer of lithological variation caused by volatiles in the Earth's upper mantle.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Timothee Jautzy, Gilles Rixhon, Regis Braucher, Romain Delunel, Pierre G. Valla, Laurent Schmitt, Aster Team
Summary: Although the current approach to estimate catchment-wide denudation rates using only 10Be concentrations has made significant progress in geomorphology, this study argues for the inclusion of 26Al measurements and testing of steady-state assumptions in slow eroding, formerly glaciated landscapes. The study conducted measurements of both 10Be and 26Al in stream sediments from the Vosges Massif in France and found that elevation, slope, channel steepness, and precipitation were the primary factors controlling denudation rates. The study also revealed a significant relationship between the extent of past glaciation and the cosmogenic (un-)steadiness in the stream sediments.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Erik van der Wiel, Douwe J. J. van Hinsbergen, Cedric Thieulot, Wim Spakman
Summary: Numerical models of Earth's mantle dynamics can predict the vigour and mixing of mantle flow, and the average slab sinking rates are an unexplored parameter that can provide intrinsic information on these characteristics. Through numerical experiments, it has been found that slab sinking rates are strongly correlated with mantle convection and mixing, and may explain geochemical observations from hotspot volcanoes.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)