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标题：Origins of the supercontinent cycle
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作者：R. Damian Nance ; J. Brendan Murphy
期刊名称：Geoscience Frontiers
印刷版ISSN：1674-9871
出版年度：2013
卷号：4
期号：4
页码：439-448
DOI：10.1016/j.gsf.2012.12.007
语种：English
出版社：Elsevier
摘要：AbstractThe supercontinent cycle, by which Earth history is seen as having been punctuated by the episodic assembly and breakup of supercontinents, has influenced the rock record more than any other geologic phenomena, and its recognition is arguably the most important advance in Earth Science since plate tectonics. It documents fundamental aspects of the planet's interior dynamics and has charted the course of Earth's tectonic, climatic and biogeochemical evolution for billions of years. But while the widespread realization of the importance of supercontinents in Earth history is a relatively recent development, the supercontinent cycle was first proposed thirty years ago and episodicity in tectonic processes was recognized long before plate tectonics provided a potential explanation for its occurrence. With interest in the supercontinent cycle gaining momentum and the literature expanding rapidly, it is instructive to recall the historical context from which the concept developed. Here we examine the supercontinent cycle from this perspective by tracing its development from the early recognition of long-term episodicity in tectonic processes, through the identification of tectonic cycles following the advent of plate tectonics, to the first realization that these phenomena were the manifestation of episodic supercontinent assembly and breakup.Graphical abstractDisplay OmittedHighlights► The supercontinent cycle has profoundly influenced the rock record. ► It is arguably the most important development in Earth Science since plate tectonics. ► Its widespread recognition is quite recent, but it was first proposed thirty years ago.
关键词：KeywordsenSupercontinent cyclePlate tectonicsTectonic episodicitySecular trends