888-444 Ma Global Plate Tectonic Reconstruction With Emphasis on the Formation of Gondwana

The formation of Gondwana results from a complex history, which can be linked to many orogenic sutures. The sutures have often been gathered in the literature under broad orogenies - in particular the Eastern and Western Pan-African Orogenies - although their ages may vary a lot within those wide belts. The Panalesis model is a plate tectonic model, which aims at reconstructing 100% of the Earth's surface, and proposes a geologically, geometrically, kinematically, and geodynamically coherent solution for the evolution of the Earth from 888 to 444 Ma. Although the model confirms that the assembly of Gondwana can be considered complete after the Damara and Kuunga orogenies, it shows above all that the detachment and amalgamation of terranes is a roughly continuous process, which even persisted after the Early Cambrian. By using the wealth of Plate Tectonics, the Panalesis model makes it possible to derive numerous additional data and maps, such as the age of the sea-floor everywhere on the planet at every time slice, for instance. The evolution of accretion rates at mid-oceanic ridges and subduction rates at trenches are shown here, and yields results consistent with previous estimates. Understanding the variation of the global tectonic activity of our planet through time is key to link plate tectonic modeling with other disciplines of Earth sciences.

Automated summary

The formation of Gondwana is associated with a complex history that involves numerous orogenic sutures. The Panalesis model, a plate tectonic model, offers a comprehensive solution for understanding Earth's evolution from 888 to 444 million years ago. By using Plate Tectonics, this model can provide additional data on various aspects of Earth's geological processes and help understand global tectonic activity over time.