GPS Kinematics of the Northern Part of the Eurasian Continent and Its Possible Geodynamic Interpretation
The leading role in geotectonics is currently played by the neomobilistic plate tectonic concept which is based on the division of the the Earth’s crust/lithosphere into plates, blocks, and massifs of different sizes. These crustal units move laterally, driven by the forces that are external to them. For example, it is assumed that under the action of gravity, a plate slips off the mid ocean ridge and then moves horizontally following the heavy subducting slab which sinks into the mantle. The motion due to viscous coupling between the plates and the convective flow in the mantle is considered as most important factor. Mechanical action from the neighboring lithospheric plates is not excluded. The data accumulated to date on the geodetic (mainly GPS) measurements of these real movements within the Eurasian continent indicate that the size of the northern part of the latter has significantly increased. The existing notions about the geodynamics of the Earth’s crust/lithosphere disregard this phenomenon. Its several possible interpretations are discussed.