Dr. Cees van Staal, Harrison McCain Seminar (HSH336)
(11:30 am - 1:00 pm)
Principles of plate tectonics and their application to orogenic research
This talk is a short introduction to plate tectonic theory, which is a process that occurs only on earth and as far as we know nowhere else in our solar system. Plate tectonics governs earth topography, tangential movements, and earth cooling; it maintains a habitable planet by regulating the long-term carbon cycle. It is important for every discipline in earth sciences and humanity in general. One could say that the theory of plate tectonics revolutionized geoscience, which was mainly a descriptive historical science, into a more powerful hypothesis testing-based science of our planet. Evidence shows that plate tectonics is mainly a top-driven process, not governed by contentious mantle plumes, with a strong and dense lithosphere subducting into the underlying asthenosphere. Ridges form as complementary passive up-wellings of the asthenosphere. Convection mainly controls earth cooling. Processes such as subduction initiation occur regularly with ~ 70% being successful. They generally form near boundaries with strong compositional lithospheric contrasts and need zones of weakness with compression across them. The general characteristics of arcs, forearcs, and backarcs, and the nature of deformation and metamorphism associated with the various tectonic settings are discussed.
Dr. Cees van Staal is an Emeritus Scientist with the Geological Survey of Canada based in Vancouver, Originally from the Netherlands, he came to Canada in 1980 to complete a PhD at the University of New Brunswick. Dr. van Staal joined the Geological Survey of Canada in 1985 and worked widely in Canada and internationally. He is recognised worldwide as a leading authority on the geology and tectonic evolution of the Appalachian mountain belt in eastern North America and its continuation as the Caledonian mountain belt in Europe, as well as on the past global distribution of continents, and on the processes of mountain building associated with arc accretion and continental collision. He has published hundreds of peer-reviewed papers, book chapters, and geological maps. He also has presented numerous invited and keynote lectures all over the world and is known for his stimulating and innovative ideas and interpretations. He has received various awards in recognition of his contributions, culminating in the Geological Association of Canada’s Logan Medal in 2019, the top award in Canadian geoscience. His current research is focused on understanding the operation of Earth systems during construction of the supercontinent Pangea from 650 to 300 million years ago. His visit to Acadia and collaboration with Acadia faculty and students in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science is supported is supported by a Harrison McCain Visiting Professorship awarded to Dr. Deanne van Rooyen.
