Tag: lithosphere
Slab: what is it?
“Slab” is the term used to refer to the sinking plate in the context of subduction. A subduction zone is defined by the convergence of two tectonic plates, with an…
How is a new ocean born?
On Earth, no ocean is more than 200 million years old, testifying to the great cyclicity of tectonic processes. Very regularly, some oceans close while others open up. But how…
What is the composition of the oceanic crust?
The oceanic crust is one of the two components of the earth’s crust. Very different from continental crust, it is continuously formed at mid-ocean ridges. However, its composition is very…
Plate tectonics: for continents too, rupture can be difficult
Continental breakup is one of the fundamental processes of plate tectonics. While some continents seem to accept divorce quite easily, breaking up is much more difficult for others. You will…
For the continents too, the break can be difficult
Continental breakup is one of the fundamental processes of plate tectonics. While some continents seem to accept divorce quite easily, breaking up is much more difficult for others. You will…
The formation of diamonds is linked to the fragmentation of supercontinents
Diamonds are formed in the bowels of the Earth, at very great depth and high temperature. They rise to the surface through volcanic eruptions. They are thus found prisoners of…
The formation of diamonds is linked to the great tectonic cycles
Diamonds are formed in the bowels of the Earth, at very great depth and high temperature. They rise to the surface through volcanic eruptions. They are thus found prisoners of…
What drives plate tectonics?
The outer part of the Earth is divided into different rigid units called lithospheric plates. These plates have the ability to move above the asthenosphere. They can thus fragment, move…
Transforming Rift: what is it?
Transforming faults are vertical faults on the scale of the lithosphere, which allow the “transformation”, that is to say the accommodation, of the movement from lithospheric plates. In this sense,…