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Global tectonics and space geodesyMuch of the success of plate tectonics can be attributed to the near rigidity of tectonic plates and the availability of data that describe the rates and directions of motion across narrow plate boundaries of about 1 to 60 kilometers. Nonetheless, many plate boundaries in both continental and oceanic lithosphere are not narrow but are hundreds to thousands of kilometers wide. Wide plate boundary zones cover approximately 15 percent of earth's surface area. Space geodesy, which includes very long baseline radio interferometry, satellite laser ranging, and the global positioning system, provides the accurate long-distance measurements needed to estimate the present motion across and within wide plate boundary zones. Space geodetic data show that plate velocities averaged over years are remarkably similar to velocities avaraged over millions of years.
Document ID
19920052897
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Gordon, Richard G.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Stein, Seth
(Northwestern University Evanston, IL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
April 17, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Science
Volume: 256
Issue: 5055
ISSN: 0036-8075
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
92A35521
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-885
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF OCE-89-00090
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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