Boundaries Of Lithospheric Plates Research Articles

New evidence for seabed resources from global tectonics

Patterns of mineral distribution are emerging from the conceptual framework provided by the new global tectonics. The occurrence of mineral deposits, including petroleum, is related to boundaries where plates of the Earth's lithosphere converge and diverge. Interpretation of limited evidence indicates particular potential for metallic sulphide deposits and petroleum accumulations associated with lithospheric plate boundaries at continental margins and in ocean basins. Recognition of the global patterns will accelerate discovery of mineral resources of the seabed as well as of the continent.