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Cited by 1,151Geological and Geophysical Studiesearthquake and tectonic studiesHigh-pressure geophysics and materials

Speculations on the Consequences and Causes of Plate Motions

McKenzie, D. P.·1969·Geophysical Journal International
DOI 10.1111/j.1365-246x.1969.tb00259.x
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Abstract

Plate theory has successfully related sea floor spreading to the focal mechanisms of earthquakes and the deep structure of island arcs. It is used here to calculate the temperature distribution in the lithosphere thrust beneath island arcs, and to determine the flow and the stress elsewhere in the mantle. Comparison with observations demonstrates that earthquakes are restricted to those regions of the mantle which are colder than a definite temperature. The flow and the stress heating in the mantle can maintain the high heat flow anomaly observed behind island arcs. Plate theory also suggests a new approach to the convection problem. The most obvious mechanism causing surface motion is the force on the plates due to the sinking lithosphere. This does not appear to be the way in which the motions are maintained. However, the input of large volumes of cold material can control convection and cause general downward movements in the mantle near island arcs. This input of cold lithosphere must cease when the island arc tries to consume a continent, since the light continental crust cannot sink through the denser mantle. Attempts to assimilate continental crust in this way can produce fold mountains, and also permit a rearrangement of convection cells.

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Crossref · 10.1111/j.1365-246x.1969.tb00259.x

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70 of 70 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • The position of sinking slabs likely controls the form of the large scale flow.

    “The importance of the sinking slabs as generators of vorticity was emphasized by McKenzie (1969), and it still appears likely that their position controls the form of the large scale flow.”

    From Speculations on the Thermal and Tectonic History of the Earth (2007) · cites this paper as McKenzie (1969)

  • Viscous dissipation above a sinking slab is greater than below it.

    “The viscous dissipation in these regions was discussed by McKenzie (1969) who showed it was greater above the sinking slab than below it.”

    From Speculations on the Thermal and Tectonic History of the Earth (2007) · cites this paper as McKenzie (1969)

  • The only candidates to balance the compression are traction on the base of the plate and the buoyancy force from variation in plate thickness produced by vulcanism.

    “The only candidates appear to be traction on the base of the plate (McKenzie 1969) and the buoyancy force resulting from the variation in plate thickness produced by vulcanism (Lliboutry 1969).”

    From Speculations on the Thermal and Tectonic History of the Earth (2007) · cites this paper as McKenzie 1969

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Authors
McKenzie, D. P.
Affiliations
California Institute of Technology (US)
Corresponding author
McKenzie, D. P.
ORCID
McKenzie, D. P.
Venue
Geophysical Journal International
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Published
1969-09
Volume
18
Issue
1
Pages
1-32
ISSN
  • 0956-540X (ISSN-L)
  • 1365-246X
DOI
10.1111/j.1365-246x.1969.tb00259.x
OpenAlex
W2074105632
Cited by
1,151
References
70
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 32 · 2022: 19 · 2021: 32 · 2020: 22 · 2019: 20 · 2018: 19 · 2017: 16 · 2016: 24 · 2015: 29 · 2014: 13 · 2013: 29 · 2012: 13
FWCI
55.54
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Geophysical Journal International (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Geology › Geological and Geophysical Studies
  • Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Geophysics › earthquake and tectonic studies
  • Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Geophysics › High-pressure geophysics and materials
Keywords
plate tectonics, plate motion, seafloor spreading, island arc, mantle flow, earthquake focal mechanisms, heat flow anomalies, mantle convection, continental subduction, convective cells

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