Tectonic microplates in a wax model of sea-floor spreading

Publication Status is "Submitted" Or "In Press: 
LDEO Publication: 
Publication Type: 
Journal Article
Year of Publication: 
2005
Authors: 
Katz, R. F.; Ragnarsson, R.; Bodenschatz, E.
Editor: 
Journal Title: 
New Journal of Physics
Journal Date: 
Feb 1
Place Published: 
Tertiary Title: 
Volume: 
7
Issue: 
Pages: 
-
Section / Start page: 
Publisher: 
ISBN Number: 
1367-2630
ISSN Number: 
Edition: 
Short Title: 
Accession Number: 
ISI:000228316500002
LDEO Publication Number: 
Call Number: 
Key Words: 
easter microplate; propagating rift; ridge; plate; pacific; centers; discontinuities; earthquakes; evolution; bearing;
Abstract: 

Rotating, growing microplates are observed in a wax analogue model of sea-floor spreading. Wax microplates are kinematically similar to sea-floor tectonic microplates in terms of spreading rate and growth rate. Furthermore, their spiral pseudofault geometry is quantitatively consistent with Schouten's oceanic microplate model. These results suggest that Schouten's edge-driven microplate model captures the kinematics of tectonic microplate evolution on Earth. Based on the wax observations, a theory for the nucleation of overlapping spreading centres, the precursors of tectonic microplates, is developed.

Notes: 

915POTimes Cited:0Cited References Count:34

URL: 
<Go to ISI>://000228316500002
DOI: 
Pii S1367-2630(05)89897-0