When did plate tectonics begin?

[dlamberth]

"Researchers analyzing ancient deposits in Australia found evidence that Earth's layers started to get mixed up — a fingerprint of plate tectonics — about 1.3 billion years after the planet formed."

Earth's plate tectonics traced back to 'tipping point' 3.2 billion years ago

 

[Astrid]

"Researchers analyzing ancient deposits in Australia found evidence that Earth's layers started to get mixed up — a fingerprint of plate tectonics — about 1.3 billion years after the planet formed."

Earth's plate tectonics traced back to 'tipping point' 3.2 billion years ago

Id suppose solid surface was moving before it
finished solidifying.

 

[Ophiolite]

"Researchers analyzing ancient deposits in Australia found evidence that Earth's layers started to get mixed up — a fingerprint of plate tectonics — about 1.3 billion years after the planet formed."

Earth's plate tectonics traced back to 'tipping point' 3.2 billion years ago

I would add a word of caution. I've been reading research papers on the initiation of plate tectonics for a couple of decades. I've seen well argued cases for everything from 3.5 billion years ago to less than 1 billion years. Part of that diversity is down to semantics - the definition of plate tectonics, and part is simply insufficient data. This research helps address the latter, but for me the door remains open.

Id suppose solid surface was moving before it
finished solidifying.

Perhaps, but that wouldn't be plate tectonics.

 

[Astrid]

I would add a word of caution. I've been reading research papers on the initiation of plate tectonics for a couple of decades. I've seen well argued cases for everything from 3.5 billion years ago to less than 1 billion years. Part of that diversity is down to semantics - the definition of plate tectonics, and part is simply insufficient data. This research helps address the latter, but for me the door remains open.


Perhaps, but that wouldn't be plate tectonics.

Oh? Do you have a bright line distinction in mind?

 

[Ophiolite]

Oh? Do you have a bright line distinction in mind?

I'm not familiar with the phrase "bright line distinction". I infer, from context, you are asking if there is a definition that would permit us to say this is plate tectonics, but that isn't. If so, yes.

Plate tectonics references the presence of a globe spanning system of (practically) rigid plates, whose contacts are either subduction zones, mid-ocean ridges, transform faults, or triple junctions, and whose individual movements may be described using Euler's thoerem in terms of an Euler rotation pole and an angular rate of rotation.

 

[JohnEmmett]

When did plate tectonics begin?

After the Moon arrived in the Younger Dryas


youtu.be/laXhTcko-lg?t=637

 

[Astrid]

I'm not familiar with the phrase "bright line distinction". I infer, from context, you are asking if there is a definition that would permit us to say this is plate tectonics, but that isn't. If so, yes.

Plate tectonics references the presence of a globe spanning system of (practically) rigid plates, whose contacts are either subduction zones, mid-ocean ridges, transform faults, or triple junctions, and whose individual movements may be described using Euler's thoerem in terms of an Euler rotation pole and an angular rate of rotation.

I know all of that.

But you've not indicated that there's anything
to say it stated at some particular time.

Convection currents - imo- helped bring
lighter material to the surface and in the
process were moving them about

Bright line is a legal term

 

[Ophiolite]

I know all of that.

But you've not indicated that there's anything
to say it stated at some particular time.

That's because I do not think we have gathered sufficient data, or looked at it from the correct perspective yet to be able to say this with an adequate level of confidence. Now, I haven't done a deep dive into relevant, current research for give or take six years, so perhaps the experts are moving towards, or have even arrived at a consensus. However, sparked by your question I'll take a quick look and report back - in a new thread if I find enough to warrant it.

Convection currents - imo- helped bring
lighter material to the surface and in the
process were moving them about

Probably the case, but most would not regard that as plate tectonics since it lacks all of the features I outlined in my prior post.

 

[Astrid]

That's because I do not think we have gathered sufficient data, or looked at it from the correct perspective yet to be able to say this with an adequate level of confidence. Now, I haven't done a deep dive into relevant, current research for give or take six years, so perhaps the experts are moving towards, or have even arrived at a consensus. However, sparked by your question I'll take a quick look and report back - in a new thread if I find enough to warrant it.

Probably the case, but most would not regard that as plate tectonics since it lacks all of the features I outlined in my prior post.

Protoplate maybe.
Gimme the bright line before I agree with you

 

[Ophiolite]

Protoplate maybe.
Gimme the bright line before I agree with you

Perhaps, when you have the courtesy to provide me with a definition of "bright line". Your inaction on that part has vexed me. (And no, I am not going to google it. You introduced the term, failed to confirm if my understanding of it was correct, then brough it up again. Rude.)

 

[Astrid]

Perhaps, when you have the courtesy to provide me with a definition of "bright line". Your inaction on that part has vexed me. (And no, I am not going to google it. You introduced the term, failed to confirm if my understanding of it was correct, then brough it up again. Rude.)

As Eliza put it, " What Lady could resist such
a delightful invitation. "

 

[sjastro]

As Eliza put it, " What Lady could resist such
a delightful invitation. "

As a neutral observer here free of any potential animosity which might be unfolding, I too am interested in what you mean by "bright line".

 

[Astrid]

As a neutral observer here free of any potential animosity which might be unfolding, I too am interested in what you mean by "bright line".

It takes way less time to google " bright line legal"
than to ask or have me reply. Three words.
Or, " bright line distinction".

I said it's a legal term.

Didn't occur to me that was rude.

Bright-line rule - Wikipedia

The less energetic could use two words
BRIGHT. LINE.

Definition of BRIGHT-LINE

providing an unambiguous criterion or guideline especially in law… See the full definition

www.merriam-webster.com

Like thats hard or a point of honour involved.

" refuse to google"


Honestly, people in america.

 

[Ophiolite]

It takes way less time to google " bright line legal"
than to ask or have me reply. Three words.
Or, " bright line distinction".

I said it's a legal term.

Didn't occur to me that was rude.

Well, now you have been informed that I find it rude. If I use a term that another member notes they are unfamiliar with I shall provide a definition in my next post. I shall regret not having recongised the potential for misunderstanding. This is common courtesy and promotes effective dialogue. It should not have been necessary to ask you to reply. Your ongoing refusal to make a concillitary gesture is disappointing. I thought better of you.

 

[Astrid]

Well, now you have been informed that I find it rude. If I use a term that another member notes they are unfamiliar with I shall provide a definition in my next post. I shall regret not having recongised the potential for misunderstanding. This is common courtesy and promotes effective dialogue. It should not have been necessary to ask you to reply. Your ongoing refusal to make a concillitary gesture is disappointing. I thought better of you.

Really? You are going to be that petty?
I misread you, thought you'd see the sunrise ,and forget it

For myself as an ongoing ESL student it
never occurred to me to demand definitions
for unfamiliar terms, eso as I can look them
up myself to better effect.
And from a cross cultural pov I've learned not
to assume what I find rude is rude to everyone.

I intended no offense by just saying it's a legal
term- with its rather obvious meaning. It seemed
to me sufficient ; one with deeper interest could
type two words and learn more. The way I do.

There's no mistaking the tone
of your delightful invitation, though. So sorry-ah, be as disappointed regretful and unconciliated as suits you. there's no way I'll hop when you say frog

 

[Ophiolite]

Really? You are going to be that petty?

Mirror, mirror on the wall?

If our objective in posting includes sharing our knowledge with others as well as acquring knowledge from others then a readiness to do so via unasked for definitions, references to supporting information and the like should be normal. And when those definitions are actually requested yet the request is denied it seems reasonable to ask if the pettiness is all on one side.

Based upon our prior interactions we share many views and perhaps some similar goals. I hope this will be the only incidence where a significant gulf exists between us. For me, the matter is now closed.

 

[Astrid]

Mirror, mirror on the wall?

If our objective in posting includes sharing our knowledge with others as well as acquring knowledge from others then a readiness to do so via unasked for definitions, references to supporting information and the like should be normal. And when those definitions are actually requested yet the request is denied it seems reasonable to ask if the pettiness is all on one side.

Based upon our prior interactions we share many views and perhaps some similar goals. I hope this will be the only incidence where a significant gulf exists between us. For me, the matter is now closed.

As I said at the time. " .....delightful invitation".
If you find that petty of me, I don't.

Now, it may be that my small stature makes
me extra touchy about bullying.
But you'd likely find few who'd have responded well.

Regardless. I'm definitely not petty in any
grudge sort of way. I beiieve in happy endings
and forget about it.

And in the future, every time you see the term
you will remember me!

 

[juvenissun]

"Researchers analyzing ancient deposits in Australia found evidence that Earth's layers started to get mixed up — a fingerprint of plate tectonics — about 1.3 billion years after the planet formed."

Earth's plate tectonics traced back to 'tipping point' 3.2 billion years ago

Does it matter?
3.5 Ga or 3.5 Ma, what difference does it make?

 

[AV1611VET]

Does it matter?
3.5 Ga or 3.5 Ma, what difference does it make?

Regardless of when it began, it peaked during Peleg's time.

 

[Astrid]

Does it matter?
3.5 Ga or 3.5 Ma, what difference does it make?

Does it matter?
3.5 Ga or 3.5 Ma, what difference does it make?

You don't understand the value of basic research