Geodynamic evolution and mantle structure

Abstract

With the advent of plate tectonic theory a framework has become available in which many observed features of the structure of the Earth can be understood. The theory can explain the geological processes that have resulted in terranes as diverse as oceans, mid-oceanic ridges, mountain belts, and intracontinental basins. However, despite its explanatory power plate tectonic theory is rarely used for its predictive properties, which should after all be an important aim of any scientific theory. In this research I will address some implications of the plate tectonic concepts, by using plate tectonic theory, to predict thermal and elastic properties of the interior of the Earth which were not used to formulate the theory. This prediction is made by forward numerical modelling of lithosphere scale tectonic processes. The work will focus on the Alpine-Mediterranean region, but the method described is applicable to any part of the Earth where Mesozoic or later plate collision processes can be reconstructed with sufficient detail from geological observations.