MODEL OF TWO-SCALE, TWO-LEVEL PLATE TECTONICS AND INTRAPLATE CRUSTAL DEFORMATION

Abstract

The theory of plate tectonics, which has successfully explained many global patterns of the structure and evolution of the lithosphere, encounters serious difficulty in the discussion of regional-scale geological processes. We demonstrate that there is a physically rather logical way of modifying the classical plate tectonic model that allows a quantitative description of intraplate and interplate deformations resulting from collision. We consider the mechanical situation that arises in the zone of collision of the lithospheric plates supporting continents. Our proposed modified plate tectonic model appears to break doen the wall of misunderstanding between advocates of plate tectonics and advocates of tectonic stratification of the lithosphere, and in addition provides a constructive method for quantitative analysis of regional tectonic processes.