Phanerozoic Polar Wander, Palaeogeography and Dynamics

Phanerozoic Polar Wander, Palaeogeography and Dynamics

2012 | Torsvik, T. H., Van der Voo, R., Preeden, U., Mac Niocaill, C., Steinberger, B., Doubrovine, P. V., van Hinsbergen, D. J. J., Domeier, M., Gaina, C., Tovher, E., Meert, J. G., McCausland, P. J., Cocks, L. R. M.
The paper presents a comprehensive analysis of Phanerozoic polar wander (PPW), paleogeography, and dynamics, compiling new paleomagnetic data to refine global apparent polar wander paths (GAPWaP). The study includes 626 paleomagnetic poles from Gondwana, Laurentia, Baltica, and Siberia, with data corrected for inclination errors and other biases. The results show that the apparent polar wander paths (APWPs) of these continents can be combined into a global GAPWaP, which closely aligns with the ideal of a global apparent polar wander path for late Paleozoic and younger times. True polar wander (TPW) episodes are identified, with four significant episodes between 250 and 100 Ma, and TPW rates are estimated at 0.45-0.8°/M.y. However, cumulative TPW is nearly zero since the Late Carboniferous. The paleomagnetic database is robust, allowing for new paleogeographic reconstructions from the Late Cambrian to the Paleogene. The study also highlights the importance of using a reference plate (e.g., Africa) to model continental movements and to develop semi-absolute reference frames. The results show that the APWPs of Laurentia and Baltica can be combined into a Laurussia path, and later with Siberia into a Laurasian path. The study also discusses the evolution of Gondwana, Laurentia, and Baltica, their fusion into Laurasia and Pangaea, and the subsequent drift of these continents. The paper provides detailed paleogeographic reconstructions and plate speeds, showing the movement of continents over time and the formation of supercontinents. The study also addresses the challenges of interpreting paleomagnetic data, including the effects of inclination errors and the need for careful data selection and correction. The results contribute to a better understanding of Earth's geological history, including the formation and breakup of supercontinents, and the dynamics of plate tectonics.The paper presents a comprehensive analysis of Phanerozoic polar wander (PPW), paleogeography, and dynamics, compiling new paleomagnetic data to refine global apparent polar wander paths (GAPWaP). The study includes 626 paleomagnetic poles from Gondwana, Laurentia, Baltica, and Siberia, with data corrected for inclination errors and other biases. The results show that the apparent polar wander paths (APWPs) of these continents can be combined into a global GAPWaP, which closely aligns with the ideal of a global apparent polar wander path for late Paleozoic and younger times. True polar wander (TPW) episodes are identified, with four significant episodes between 250 and 100 Ma, and TPW rates are estimated at 0.45-0.8°/M.y. However, cumulative TPW is nearly zero since the Late Carboniferous. The paleomagnetic database is robust, allowing for new paleogeographic reconstructions from the Late Cambrian to the Paleogene. The study also highlights the importance of using a reference plate (e.g., Africa) to model continental movements and to develop semi-absolute reference frames. The results show that the APWPs of Laurentia and Baltica can be combined into a Laurussia path, and later with Siberia into a Laurasian path. The study also discusses the evolution of Gondwana, Laurentia, and Baltica, their fusion into Laurasia and Pangaea, and the subsequent drift of these continents. The paper provides detailed paleogeographic reconstructions and plate speeds, showing the movement of continents over time and the formation of supercontinents. The study also addresses the challenges of interpreting paleomagnetic data, including the effects of inclination errors and the need for careful data selection and correction. The results contribute to a better understanding of Earth's geological history, including the formation and breakup of supercontinents, and the dynamics of plate tectonics.
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[slides and audio] Phanerozoic polar wander%2C palaeogeography and dynamics