What are the interesting theories about lithosphere breakup?
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There are several interesting theories about lithosphere breakup. One theory suggests that the presence of plumes in the mantle can play a significant role in facilitating continental breakup . Another theory focuses on the role of melting in the evolution of rifting and the spatial and temporal evolution of passive margin geometry . Additionally, it has been proposed that detachment faults in the upper mantle can control the development of mantle core complexes and associated crustal structures during the extension and breakup of cold continental lithosphere . Inherited structures from previous tectonic activity, such as ancient orogenesis, may also influence the generation of continental terranes during breakup . Finally, the interaction between young oceanic lithosphere and a subduction zone has been investigated as a potential mechanism for the breakup of a young and thin oceanic plate .
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33 Citations | The paper discusses a numerical modeling study that investigates the breakup of young oceanic lithosphere in the upper part of a subduction zone. It proposes that the interaction between the subducting plate and the spreading ridge can lead to the detachment of a thin sheet of oceanic lithosphere, which can then be incorporated into the forearc region and eventually into an orogenic belt. |
| The paper discusses a new mechanism for terrane generation during continent breakup that originates from inherited structures related to deep plate-tectonic sutures. This mechanism involves the reactivation of lithospheric scars to focus thinning and ultimately produce isolated terranes. | |
58 Citations | The paper discusses a novel numerical approach that investigates the physics of extension and breakup of cold continental lithosphere to form new ocean basins. It explains that in cold continental systems, flat-lying detachment faults nucleate in the strong upper mantle at an early stage, controlling the development of a mantle core complex and associated crustal structures. |
29 May 2023 | The paper discusses the theory that the Iceland plume in the NE Atlantic may have facilitated the breakup between Europe and Laurentia. It also mentions the hypothesis of a hot mantle plume weakening the lithosphere and supporting the breakup. |
28 Citations | The paper discusses the role of melting in the evolution of lithosphere breakup and its impact on the characteristics of areas affected by lithospheric extension. It does not mention any other theories about lithosphere breakup. |
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