GEOMAGMATISM, PULSATIONS OF THE EARTH, AND PHANEROZOIC MINERAGENY

Abstract

Discontinuity and periodicity of tectonic processes, eustatic fluctuations of the ocean level, volcanic and metallogenic activity, and some other global processes in the Earth's history are indicative of the pulsatory nature of the Earth's evolution. Correlation of geomagnetic field variations with global geological processes shows the geomagnetic field polarity to be an indicator of pulsations. The phases of the Earth's expansion correspond to normal (present-day) polarity, and the planet's contraction to epochs of reversed polarity. In terms of the concept of geopulsations, the diversity of basic geodynamic regimes of continents is determined by the combination of three factors: the phases of the Earth's evolution (contraction-expansion), the effects of deep fluid and heat flows (plumes), and the state of the asthenosphere (its depth, thickness, and degree of heating). The general evolution of Phanerozoic ore deposition and the specific metallogenic features of tectonomagmatic cycles may be considered in a new light in view of the Earth's pulsatory history. © Pleiades Publishing, Inc. 2006.