Whole-Earth decompression dynamics

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Whole-Earth decompression dynamics theory by J. Marvin Herndon^[1] proposes to unify in a self-consistent manner the two previous, dominant, but seemingly disparate, geodynamic theories, plate tectonics theory and expanding Earth theory.

[edit] Historical background

In 1933, Otto Hilgenberg imagined that initially the Earth was smaller in diameter, without oceans, and that the continents formed a uniform shell of matter covering the entire surface of the planet. Hilgenberg’s idea was that the Earth subsequently expanded, fragmenting the uniform shell of matter into the continents, and creating ocean basins in between^[2]. His concept became the basis for expanding Earth theory. Hilgenberg spent the rest of his life making impressive model globes, writing, and lecturing on the subject, thus attracting others, such as S. Warren Carey (1911-2002), who built upon the idea and helped to promote it^[3][4] But there are serious problems related to lack of energy source and the age of the ocean floors.

Plate tectonics theory, developed in the 1960s, describes well certain features of the ocean floor, but does not provide an energy source for the geodynamic activity it purports to describe and is therefore an incomplete theory. Current heat production from long-lived radioactive elements^[5] alone is insufficient to account for the measured heat loss from the Earth’s surface^[6], much less powering geodynamic activity. Moreover, in plate tectonics theory, convection is assumed to take place in the mantle as solid-state flow instead of liquid-state flow, although there is no indication at the Earth’s surface of the formation of convection cells^[7]. Indeed, decades of research has yet to find any direct, unambiguous evidence of mantle convection; even seismic imaging may have a different interpretation^[8]. Like any theory, plate tectonics theory is open to question.

[edit] Whole Earth decompression dynamics

Whole-Earth decompression theory by J. Marvin Herndon is the consequence of Earth formation from within a Jupiter-like proto-planet with subsequent loss of gases and ices and concomitant rebounding. The initial whole-Earth decompression is expected to result in a global system of major primary decompression cracks appearing in the rigid crust which persist as the basalt feeders for the global, mid-oceanic ridge system. As the Earth subsequently decompresses, the area of the Earth’s surface increases by the formation of secondary decompression cracks, often located near the continental margins, presently identified as oceanic trenches. These secondary decompression cracks are subsequently in-filled with basalt, extruded from the mid-oceanic ridges, which traverses the ocean floor by gravitational creep, ultimately plunging into secondary decompression cracks, emulating subduction. Much of the evidence presented in support of plate tectonics supports Whole-Earth decompression dynamics, but without necessitating mantle convection/circulation or basalt recycling. Moreover, unlike in Earth expansion theory, the timescale for Earth decompression is not constrained to the last 200 million years, the maximum age of the current ocean floor]]^[9][10]]].^[11].

[edit] References