2. Dynamic causes of the relation between area and
age of the oceanfloor
N. Coltice, T. Rolf, P.J. Tackley, S. Labrosse
Science (336) – April 2012

5. Atsteady-state…

6. Time dependent
Time 1 Time 2

7. Estimatedevolution of the age distribution
Becker et al., 2009

8. 3D spherical convection
withplate-likebehavior
and continental rafts

10. Age (Myrs)

11. Age (Myrs)

12. Age (Myrs)

14. Wilson cycle model
High heat flow Moderateheat flow
New ridges - rifting Dispersal
Lowheat flow
Aggregation

15. Conclusions
•Seafloor age constraint: continents and plate-like behavior are needed for
young seafloor “subduction”
• Formation of plate boundaries and continental aggregation/dispersal
change the age distribution
• Time dependence of the distribution is the rule
• Distribution changes its shape through Wilson cycles

17. 3D sphericalwithplate-likebehavior
OR
with continents (no plate-likebehavior)