Study on the dynamic mechanism of northward drift of the Indian Plate

doi:10.13745/j.esf.2020.1.23

Abstract

Abstract:

The Indian continental plate is an activated cratonic plate. Its northward drift and collision with Eurasian plate have been extensively studied, however, the dynamic mechanism of the northward drift is rarely noticed. Traditionally, it is believed that the sea-floor spreading caused the northward drift of the Indian Plate, but the latest geophysical observations are contrary to this belief. Based on systematic analyses of geomagnetic anomaly characteristics, paleomagnetic measurements and seismic exploration profiles, we showed that the thickness of the Indian continental plate is about 40 km. We established a new continental drift model to illustrate that the dynamic mechanism of the northward drift is closely related to the continuous deep magma upwelling in the south part of the Indian Plate, such that the northward drift is self driven. This model can reasonably explain the power source of the Indian Plate drift; and it can also give a reasonable explanation about the dynamic mechanism of the left-lateral rotation of the Indian Plate. Finally, we discussed the origin of the abnormal high-speed drift of the Indian Plate between 80-40 Ma and the cause of the Great Rift Valley in East Africa. This study provides a new dynamic mechanism for the continental drift model.

Key words: Indian continental plate, continental drift, dynamic mechanism, East African rift, sea-floor spreading

CLC Number:

P541

LIANG Guanghe. Study on the dynamic mechanism of northward drift of the Indian Plate[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2020, 27(1): 211-220.

Figures/Tables 11

Fig.1 Tectonic sketch map of the Indian Ocean. Adapted from [10].

Fig.2 Map showing magnetic anomaly in the Indian Ocean. Adapted from [11].

Fig.3 Global spatial distribution of crustal thickness

Fig.4 A new continental drift model. Adapted from [23-24].

Fig.5 History and trajectory of Indian Plate drift

Fig.6 A simplified geological interpretation of high-precision seismic exploration section A in the offshore region of India

Fig.7 A simplified geological interpretation of high-precision seismic exploration section B in the offshore area of India

Fig.8 A simplified geological interpretation of high-precision seismic exploration section C in the offshore area of India

Fig.9 Schematic diagram of the dynamic mechanism for the Indian Plate drift based on the seismic exploration profiles

Fig.10 GPS survey results of the current crustal velocity field in China and neighboring regions. Adapted from [27]

Fig.11 Schematic diagram showing the Indian Plate drift route and genetic mechanism of the East African Rift

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