Origin of the earth's ocean basins

Details Origin of the earth's ocean basins Origin of the earth's ocean basins

Oct 1977

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1977icar...32..235f&link_type=abstract

Icarus, vol. 32, Oct. 1977, p. 235-250.

Other

2

Asteroids, Earth Surface, Hypervelocity Impact, Ocean Bottom, Planetary Evolution, Structural Basins, Astronomical Models, Basalt, Earth Crust, Lunar Maria

Scientific paper

The earth's original ocean basins are proposed to be mare-type basins produced 4 billion y.a. by the flux of asteroid-sized objects responsible for the lunar mare basins. Scaling upward from the observed number of lunar basins for the greater capture cross-section and impact velocity of the earth indicates that at least 50% of an original global crust would have been converted to basin topography. These basins were flooded by basaltic liquids in times short compared to the isostatic adjustment time for the basin. The modern crustal dichotomy (60% oceanic, 40% continental crust) was established early in the history of the earth, making possible the later onset of plate tectonic processes. These later processes have subsequently reworked, in several cycles, principally the oceanic parts of the earth's crust, changing the configuration of the continents in the process. Ocean basins (and oceans themselves) may be rare occurrences on planets in other star systems.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Origin of the earth's ocean basins does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Origin of the earth's ocean basins, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Origin of the earth's ocean basins will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-746559