Ocean-plate tectonics

Ocean-Plate Tectonics is illustrated in this collection of accurate, accessible science graphics, based on the work of Fabio Crameri and colleagues. These visuals make it easy to understand the processes that shape the oceanic lithosphere, including plate spreading, subduction, and the formation of mid-ocean ridges and trenches. Ideal for educators, students, and geoscience enthusiasts, this ocean-plate tectonics graphic collection brings complex seafloor dynamics to life with visually rich, easy-to-grasp resources for teaching and learning Earth’s oceanic plate processes.

Illustration of the two endmember forcing states characterising subduction zone initiation (SZI).

Subduction initiation forcing

The illustration depicts two endmember states in subduction zone initiation: vertically-forced and horizontally-forced subduction initiation.

Simplified model of the Earth’s interior and its global dynamics featuring a solid inner and a fluid outer core, a viscous partially molten but not fluid mantle, and characteristic surface topography.

Earth interior model

Simplified model of the Earth’s interior and its global dynamics featuring a solid inner and a fluid outer core, a viscous partially molten but not fluid mantle, and characteristic surface topography.

Comparison of suggested mantle convection in the Earth (mobile-lid mode) and Venus (inefficient short slab mode).

Planetary interior

Comparison of suggested mantle convection in the Earth (mobile-lid mode) and Venus (inefficient short slab mode).

A schematic highlighting some of the most relevant Earth processes.

Earth processes

A schematic highlighting some of the most relevant Earth processes.

Time-evolution of subduction slab tearing and slab break-off shown in a global spherical 3-D model.

Slab tearing

Time-evolution of subduction slab break-off shown in a global spherical 3-D model.

Temporal evolution of subduction initiation in a global, 3-D spherical numerical experiment showing the cold plates and hot mantle plumes.

Plume-induced subduction

Temporal evolution of subduction initiation in a global, 3-D spherical numerical experiment showing the cold plates and hot mantle plumes.

Oceanic plate age shown on a custom Interrupted Mollweide projection from Crameri et al. (2020).

Ocean-plate age

Global seafloor age visualised on a custom Interrupted Mollweide map projection.

Illustration by Fabio Crameri of the Earth with parts of its mantle extracted showing plate creation, cooling, and destruction.

Dynamic planet Earth

Illustration of the Earth with parts of its mantle extracted showing plate creation, cooling, and destruction.

End of content

No more pages to load

Newer Posts
Older Posts