Mariana-type ophiolites constrain the establishment of modern plate tectonic regime during Gondwana assembly

Jinlong Yao (), Peter A. Cawood, Guochun Zhao (), Yigui Han, Xiaoping Xia, Qian Liu and Peng Wang
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Jinlong Yao: Northwest University
Peter A. Cawood: Monash University
Guochun Zhao: Northwest University
Yigui Han: Northwest University
Xiaoping Xia: Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Qian Liu: The University of Hong Kong
Peng Wang: The University of Hong Kong

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Initiation of Mariana-type oceanic subduction zones requires rheologically strong oceanic lithosphere, which developed through secular cooling of Earth’s mantle. Here, we report a 518 Ma Mariana-type subduction initiation ophiolite from northern Tibet, which, along with compilation of similar ophiolites through Earth history, argues for the establishment of the modern plate tectonic regime by the early Cambrian. The ophiolite was formed during the subduction initiation of the Proto-Tethys Ocean that coincided with slab roll-back along the southern and western Gondwana margins at ca. 530-520 Ma. This global tectonic re-organization and the establishment of modern plate tectonic regime was likely controlled by secular cooling of the Earth, and facilitated by enhanced lubrication of subduction zones by sediments derived from widespread surface erosion of the extensive mountain ranges formed during Gondwana assembly. This time also corresponds to extreme events recorded in climate and surface proxies that herald formation of the contemporary Earth.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24422-z

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