Theory of tectonics in the sphere

Abstract

Soft or Deformable Plate Tectonics in the sphere must follow geometric rules inferred from the orthographic projection. An analytic equivalent of this geometry can be derived by the application of Potential Field Methods in the case of Atlantic type oceans. Laplace equation must be obeyed by the velocity field between the ridge and the passive margin if we neglect the very slight compressibility of ocean lithosphere. A strain wave propagates in the sphere analogous to the behaviour of a free harmonic oscillator. Combining zonal harmonics of order one and sectorial harmonics of degree one we obtain a tesseral harmonic equivalent to the orthographic solution. This potential field approach is valid for homogeneous deformation regime in oceanic lithosphere. Above a compression threshold of 5 to 10% buckling and simultaneous faulting occurs. In Pacific type oceans a dynamic approach, similar to a forced oscillation, must be applied because there are sinks in subduction zones.