Speed Pacific tectonic plates

1997/10/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Mikrobiologia

We have recently known that the Pacific tectonic plates moved in the past faster than expected. After an in-depth analysis of the Earth's magnetic field records, University of California researcher Douglas Wilson has given new data. According to the American scientist, about 11 million years ago the plates moved between 18 and 21 centimeters each year (Geophys, Res. Letters, 23, 3003, 1996).

At present, however, tectonic plates move more slowly; the higher plate speed is given south of Easter Island and always below 15 centimeters annually.