The fragmentation of continents at convergent plate boundaries is thought to be influenced by the subducting lithosphere. Numerical modelling suggests that instead, the forces exerted by the underlying mantle can drive the formation of continental microplates.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 12 print issues and online access
$259.00 per year
only $21.58 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
References
Collins, W. J. Tectonics 21, 1024 (2002).
Rey, P. F. & Müller, R. D. Nature Geosci. 3, 257–261 (2010).
Siddoway, C. S. in Antarctica: A Keystone in a Changing World: Proc. 10th Int. Symp. Antarctic Earth Sciences (eds Cooper, A. K. et al.) 91–114 (National Academies, 2008).
Bryan, S. E., Ewart, A., Stephens, C. J., Parianos, J. & Downes, P. J. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res. 99, 55–78 (2000).
Bialas, R. W., Buck, W. R., Studinger, M. & Fitzgerald, P. G. Geology 35, 687–690 (2007).
Coney, P. J., Jones, D. L. & Monger, J. W. H. Nature 288, 329–333 (1980).
Schettino, A. & Scotese, C. in Reconstruction of the Evolution of the Alpine-Himalayan Orogen (eds Rosenbaum, G. & Lister, G.) J. Virtual Explorer 8, 10.3809/jvirtex.2002.00056 (2002).
Johnston, S. T. & Borel, G. D. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 253, 415–428 (2007).
Snoke, A. W. & Barnes, C. G. in The Development of Tectonic Concepts for the Klamath Mountains Province, California and Oregon (eds Snoke, A. W. & Barnes, C. G.) 1–29 (GSA Special Paper 410, GSA, 2006).
Nance, R. D. & Linneman, U. GSA Today 18, 4–12 (2009).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Siddoway, C. Microplate motion. Nature Geosci 3, 225–226 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo835
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo835