A data set comprising 110 spreading rates, 78 transform fault azimuths, and 142 earthquake slip vectors has been inverted to yield a new instantaneous plate motion model, designated Relative Motion 2 (RM2). The model represents a considerable improvement over our previous estimate, RM1 [Minster et al., 1974]. The mean averaging interval for the spreading rate data has been reduced to less than 3 m.y. A detailed comparison of RM2 with angular velocity vectors which best fit the data along individual plate boundaries indicates that RM2 performs close to optimally in most regions, with several notable exceptions. The model systematically misfits data along the India-Antarctica and Pacific-India plate boundaries. We hypothesize that these discrepancies are manifestations of internal deformation within the Indian plate; the data are compatible with northwest-southeast compression across the Ninetyeast Ridge at a rate of about 1 cm/yr. RM2 also fails to satisfy the east-west trending transform fault azimuths observed in the French-American Mid-Ocean Undersea Study area, which is shown to be a consequence of closure constraints about the Azores triple junction. Slow movement between North and South America is required by the data set, although the angular velocity vector describing this motion remains poorly constrained. The existence of a Bering plate, postulated in our previous study, is not necessary if we accept the proposal of Engdahl and others that the Aleutian slip vector data are biased by slab effects. Absolute motion models are derived from several kinematical hypotheses and compared with the data from hot spot traces younger than 10 m.y. Although some of the models are inconsistent with the Wilson-Morgan hypothesis, the overall resolving power of the hot spot data is poor, and the directions of absolute motion for the several slower-moving plates are not usefully constrained.

Present-day plate motions

A data set comprising 110 spreading rates, 78 transform fault azimuths and 142 earthquake slip vectors was inverted to yield a new instantaneous plate motion model, designated RM2. The mean averaging interval for the relative motion data was reduced to less than 3 My. A detailed comparison of RM2 with angular velocity vectors which best fit the data along individual plate boundaries indicates that RM2 performs close to optimally in most regions, with several notable exceptions. On the other hand, a previous estimate (RM1) failed to satisfy an extensive set of new data collected in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is shown that RM1 incorrectly predicts the plate kinematics in the South Atlantic because the presently available data are inconsistent with the plate geometry assumed in deriving RM1. It is demonstrated that this inconsistency can be remedied by postulating the existence of internal deformation with the Indian plate, although alternate explanations are possible.

/pdf/present-day-plate-motions-1cfamgs3qp.pdf

Present‐day plate motions

[1] The Solonker suture records the termination of the central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). However, tectonic development of the Solonker suture is poorly understood. We report new field data for the Ondor Sum melange in the Ulan valley, and present a new evaluation of the orogenic belt extending from the southern Mongolia cratonic boundary to the north China craton within the context of a new geological framework and tectonic model, which incorporates relevant data from the literature. The southern accretionary zone between the north China craton and the Solonker suture is characterized by the Mid-Ordovician-Early Silurian Ulan island arc-Ondor Sum subduction-accretion complex and the Bainaimiao arc. This zone was consolidated by the Carboniferous-Permian when it evolved into an Andean-type magmatic margin above a south dipping subduction zone. The northern accretionary zone north of the Solonker suture extends southward from a Devonian to Carboniferous active continental margin, through the Hegenshan ophiolite-arc accretionary complex to the Late Carboniferous Baolidao arc associated with some accreted Precambrian blocks. This northern zone had consolidated by the Permian when it developed into an Andean-type magmatic margin above a north dipping subduction zone. Final subduction of the central Asian ocean caused the two opposing active continental margins to collide, leading to formation of the Solonker suture in the end-Permian. Predominant northward subduction during final formation of the suture gave rise in the upper northern plate to a large-scale, postcollisional, south directed thrust and fold belt in the Triassic-Jurassic. In summary, the CAOB underwent three final stages of tectonic development: early Japanese-type accretion, Andean-type magmatism, and Himalayan-type collision.

/pdf/accretion-leading-to-collision-and-the-permian-solonker-3zbth9mq3w.pdf

Accretion leading to collision and the Permian Solonker suture, Inner Mongolia, China: Termination of the central Asian orogenic belt

Tectonics of the zagros orogenic belt of iran - new data and interpretations

http://www2.ess.ucla.edu/~yin/05-Publications/papers/091-Yin-2006-ESR.pdf

Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Himalayan orogen as constrained by along-strike variation of structural geometry, exhumation history, and foreland sedimentation

https://stuff.mit.edu/afs/athena.mit.edu/course/12/12.115/www/lister%201989%20the%20origin%20of%20metamorphic%20core%20complexes%20and%20detachment%20faults%20formed%20during%20tertiary%20continental%20extension%20in%20the%20northern%20colorado%20river%20region.PDF

The origin of metamorphic core complexes and detachment faults formed during Tertiary continental extension in the northern Colorado River region, U.S.A.

Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the Yanshan fold and thrust belt, with emphasis on Hebei and Liaoning provinces, northern China

Temporal and spatial variations of Mesozoic magmatism and deformation in the North China Craton: Implications for lithospheric thinning and decratonization

Gregory A. Davis

Papers

The origin of metamorphic core complexes and detachment faults formed during Tertiary continental extension in the northern Colorado River region, U.S.A.

Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the Yanshan fold and thrust belt, with emphasis on Hebei and Liaoning provinces, northern China

Temporal and spatial variations of Mesozoic magmatism and deformation in the North China Craton: Implications for lithospheric thinning and decratonization

Detachment faulting in continental extension; Perspectives from the Southwestern U.S. Cordillera

Structural framework and evolution of the southern part of the Cordilleran orogen, western United States