Mariana-type ophiolites constrain the establishment of modern plate tectonic regime during Gondwana assembly.

ABSTRACT: Initiation of Mariana-type oceanic subduction zones requires rheologically strong oceanic lithosphere, which developed through secular cooling of Earth's mantle. Here, we report a 518 Ma Mariana-type subduction initiation ophiolite from northern Tibet, which, along with compilation of similar ophiolites through Earth history, argues for the establishment of the modern plate tectonic regime by the early Cambrian. The ophiolite was formed during the subduction initiation of the Proto-Tethys Ocean that coincided with slab roll-back along the southern and western Gondwana margins at ca. 530-520 Ma. This global tectonic re-organization and the establishment of modern plate tectonic regime was likely controlled by secular cooling of the Earth, and facilitated by enhanced lubrication of subductio

SUBMITTER: Yao J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8263587 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature