From Missouri to the Tibetan Plateau:  How the Plates Deform in Plate Tectonics

Speaker: Eric Sandvol, Curators' Distinguished Professor, Geological Sciences

Plate tectonics is the paradigmatic theory that explains the evolution of the Earth over millions of years. This theory involves the motion of rigid tectonic plates across the surface of the Earth with little to no internal deformation. However, this in only a rough approximation. We actually DO see evidence of internal deformation, including in the Missouri Bootheel where we have large earthquakes in the interior of the North American plate. Another example of this in the Tibetan plateau where the deforming plate appears to be very weak and over geologic time flows like honey. Dr. Sandvol will explore how and why we know how tectonic plates behave and how scientists can image the structure of the plates themselves.

For more information click here.