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The Jan Mayen microplate complex and the Wilson cycle

Schiffer, C.; Peace, A.; Phethean, J.; Gernigon, L.; McCaffrey, K.; Petersen, K.D.; Foulger, G.

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Authors

C. Schiffer

A. Peace

J. Phethean

L. Gernigon

K.D. Petersen

G. Foulger



Contributors

R.W. Wilson
Editor

G.A. Houseman
Editor

A.G. Dore
Editor

S.J.M. Buiter
Editor

Abstract

The opening of the North Atlantic region was one of the most important geodynamic events that shaped the present day passive margins of Europe, Greenland and North America. Although well-studied, much remains to be understood about the evolution of the North Atlantic, including the role of the Jan Mayen microplate complex. Geophysical data provide an image of the crustal structure of this microplate and enable a detailed reconstruction of the rifting and spreading history. However, the mechanisms that cause the separation of microplates between conjugate margins are still poorly understood. We assemble recent models of rifting and passive margin formation in the North Atlantic and discuss possible scenarios that may have led to the formation of the Jan Mayen microplate complex. This event was probably triggered by regional plate tectonic reorganizations rejuvenating inherited structures. The axis of rifting and continental break-up and the width of the Jan Mayen microplate complex were controlled by old Caledonian fossil subduction/suture zones. Its length is related to east–west-oriented deformation and fracture zones, possibly linked to rheological heterogeneities inherited from the pre-existing Precambrian terrane boundaries.

Citation

Schiffer, C., Peace, A., Phethean, J., Gernigon, L., McCaffrey, K., Petersen, K., & Foulger, G. (2018). The Jan Mayen microplate complex and the Wilson cycle. In R. Wilson, G. Houseman, K. McCaffrey, A. Dore, & S. Buiter (Eds.), Fifty years of the Wilson cycle concept in plate tectonics (393-414). The Geological Society. https://doi.org/10.1144/sp470.2

Acceptance Date Dec 9, 2017
Online Publication Date Feb 1, 2018
Publication Date Feb 1, 2018
Deposit Date Feb 2, 2018
Publicly Available Date Feb 1, 2019
Publisher The Geological Society
Pages 393-414
Series Title Geological Society special publications
Book Title Fifty years of the Wilson cycle concept in plate tectonics.
DOI https://doi.org/10.1144/sp470.2

Files

Accepted Book Chapter (2.8 Mb)
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Copyright Statement
In Schiffer, C., Peace, A., Phethean, J., Gernigon, L., McCaffrey, K., Petersen, K.D. & Foulger, G. (2018). The Jan Mayen microplate complex and the Wilson cycle. In Fifty Years of the Wilson Cycle Concept in Plate Tectonics. Wilson, R.W., Houseman, G.A., McCaffrey, K.J.W., Dore, A.G. & Buiter, S.J.M. London: Geological Society of London. 470: 393-414 https://doi.org/10.1144/SP470.2 © Geological Society of London 2018.




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