Deconstructing plate tectonic reconstructions

Date

2023

Authors

Seton, M.
Williams, S.E.
Domeier, M.
Collins, A.S.
Sigloch, K.

Editors

Advisors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Type:

Journal article

Citation

Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 2023; 4(3):185-204

Statement of Responsibility

Maria Seton, Simon E. Williams, Mathew Domeier, Alan S. Collins and Karin Sigloch

Conference Name

DOI

10.1038/s43017-022-00384-8

Abstract

The evolving mosaic of tectonic plates across the surface of the Earth sets boundary conditions for the evolution of biotic and abiotic processes and helps shape the dynamics of its interior. Reconstructing plate tectonics back through time allows scientists from a range of disciplines (such as palaeobiology, palaeoclimate, geodynamics and seismology) to investigate Earth evolution through these spatiotemporal dimensions. However, the variety and complexity of plate reconstructions can lead to some of their limitations being overlooked. In this Technical Review, we discuss the domain-specifc knowledge underpinning modern quantitative plate reconstructions and convey a set of principles on how to use (but not abuse) the software or results. Open-source plate tectonic reconstruction software, like GPlates, has led to a major shift in working practices, handing non-specialists the tools to develop and integrate reconstructions based on their own datasets and expertise. However, there is no ‘one-size-fts-all’ and users need to understand what data and underlying assumptions go into making diferent, sometimes competing reconstruction models. It is therefore essential to consider the many ways reconstructions simplify reality when interpreting them to avoid circular reasoning. Although many aspects of deep-time reconstructions remain unresolved, future work on intercomparisons between models and uncertainty quantifcation is an essential pathway towards next-generation plate reconstructions.

School/Discipline

Dissertation Note

Provenance

Description

Published 21 February 2023.

Access Status

Rights

© Springer Nature Limited 2023

License

Grant ID

http://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/DP200100966
 http://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/FT130101564
 http://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/DP200100966
 http://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/DP180102280
 http://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/FT210100557
 http://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/FT120100340
 http://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/LP200301457

Published Version

https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-022-00384-8

Call number

Persistent link to this record

https://hdl.handle.net/2440/137511