Deconstructing plate tectonic reconstructions

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dc.contributor.authorSeton, M.
dc.contributor.authorWilliams, S.E.
dc.contributor.authorDomeier, M.
dc.contributor.authorCollins, A.S.
dc.contributor.authorSigloch, K.
dc.date.issued2023
dc.descriptionPublished 21 February 2023.
dc.description.abstractThe 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.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityMaria Seton, Simon E. Williams, Mathew Domeier, Alan S. Collins and Karin Sigloch
dc.identifier.citationNature Reviews Earth & Environment, 2023; 4(3):185-204
dc.identifier.doi10.1038/s43017-022-00384-8
dc.identifier.issn2662-138X
dc.identifier.issn2662-138X
dc.identifier.orcidCollins, A.S. [0000-0002-3408-5474]
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/2440/137511
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherSpringer
dc.relation.granthttp://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/DP200100966
dc.relation.granthttp://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/FT130101564
dc.relation.granthttp://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/DP200100966
dc.relation.granthttp://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/DP180102280
dc.relation.granthttp://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/FT210100557
dc.relation.granthttp://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/FT120100340
dc.relation.granthttp://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/LP200301457
dc.rights© Springer Nature Limited 2023
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-022-00384-8
dc.titleDeconstructing plate tectonic reconstructions
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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