A Simple Model for Plate Motion and Topography

Abstract

The traditional explanation of slow dynamic subsidence and uplift of tectonic plates solely depends on the vertical motion of mantle density anomalies. This has been challenged by observations of rapid and short-lived elevation changes exceeding 100 meters per-million-year in numerous sedimentary basins. Bodur et al., (2023) have shown that relative tectonic plate motion and associated basal shear stress can explain those rapid and short-lived elevation changes. In this paper, I suggest a basic approach to quantify elevation changes resulting from basal shear stress by employing torque-balance calculations. The results confirm the existing flow model solution and offer a more robust formula for estimating the impact of plate motion on changes in Earth's topography. Such functionality may prove invaluable in various applications including interpretation of stratigraphic records.