2016/10/03 by João C. Duarte, Wouter P. Schellart, Filipe Rosas · 1 voice
Earth and Planetary Sciences · #Geological and Geophysical Studies Worldwide #Geological and Geochemical Analysis #earthquake and tectonic studies
paper · doi:10.1017/s0016756816000716
openalex publication_date 2016/10/03 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/19
Abstract Subduction initiation is a cornerstone in the edifice of plate tectonics. It marks the turning point of the Earth's Wilson cycles and ultimately the supercycles as well. In this paper, we explore the consequences of subduction zone invasion in the Atlantic Ocean, following recent discoveries at the SW Iberia margin. We discuss a buoyancy argument based on the premise that old oceanic lithosphere is unstable for supporting large basins, implying that it must be removed in subduction zones. As a consequence, we propose a new conceptual model in which both the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans close simultaneously, leading to the termination of the present Earth's supercycle and to the formation of a new supercontinent, which we name Aurica . Our new conceptual model also provides insights into supercontinent formation and destruction (supercycles) proposed for past geological times (e.g. Pangaea, Rodinia, Columbia, Kenorland).