Open AccessMission Moho: Formation and evolution of oceanic lithosphere
Author(s) -
Christie David M.,
Ildefonse Benoit,
Abe Natsue,
Arai Shoji,
Bach Wolfgang,
Blackman Donna K.,
Duncan Robert,
Hooft Emelie,
Humphris Susan E.,
Miller D. Jay
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
eos, transactions american geophysical union
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.316
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 2324-9250
pISSN - 0096-3941
DOI - 10.1029/2006eo480005
Subject(s) - lithosphere , seafloor spreading , geology , crust , oceanic crust , mantle (geology) , earth science , subduction , plate tectonics , tectonics , geophysics , paleontology
The formation and evolution of the oceanic lithosphere is the dominant process in the chemical differentiation and physical evolution of our planet. Plate tectonic processes completely repave the ocean basins every 100–200 million years. Lithosphere formation encompasses the transfer and transformation of material and energy from Earth's mantle to the crust and from the crust to the ocean and atmosphere. Independent of sunlight, the evolving ocean crust supports life in unique seafloor and subseafloor habitats that may resemble Earth's earliest ecosystems. From its formation until its return to the mantle by subduction, the evolving oceanic lithosphere interacts with seawater, sequesters water and other materials, and ultimately recycles them back into the mantle.