Seismic evidence for convection-driven motion of the North American plate

David W. Eaton () and Andrew Frederiksen
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David W. Eaton: University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
Andrew Frederiksen: University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada

Nature, 2007, vol. 446, issue 7134, 428-431

Abstract: The power of plate tectonics A compilation of seismic images, geochronology and plate-motion reconstruction has been used to compare the location and chronology of a hotspot track at the base and top of the North American lithosphere. The work reveals a conspicuous misalignment between the surface and deep parts of the tracks. Misalignment increases with age along the track, and is best explained by creep in the mantle lithosphere beneath North America. The sense of shear implied by these observations indicates that motion of the plate is driven by viscous traction at the base of the plate. This is of significance for understanding the driving forces of plate tectonics.

Date: 2007
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DOI: 10.1038/nature05675

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