Chapter 4 - Modeling Early Earth Tectonics: The Case for Stagnant Lid Behavior

Abstract

The geodynamic context of the Earth's oldest rocks is far from clear. The geological record is able to constrain dynamic processes, but these may not be definitive. Geodynamic simulations can offer insight into the plausible dynamics of this period and quantitatively constrain geological processes. To do so, however, they must both reconstruct the relevant thermal configuration of the Earth in the Hadean–early Archean and encapsulate the critical processes operating during this time—including voluminous “heat-pipe” volcanism and volcanic resurfacing and giant impacts.