Overview of Plate Climatology Theory
The Sun, quite obviously, is the first order driver of earth’s climate, but a much neglected second order driver can contribute significantly to natural variations. The overall theory contends that periods of active earth tectonics and volcanism can be correlated to periods of active climate change and climate related events. To describe this new theory, the term Plate Climatology is designated. The theory was first formally introduced on October 7, 2014, after 10 years of research.
In general, increased tectonic activity, either locally or globally, equates to more faulting and volcanic activity, which leads to more heat and fluid release from these active geological features into both the oceans and atmosphere.
Altered heat and fluid input equates to climate change.
This effect has been largely hidden from scientific investigation because the heat and fluid release is primarily from two under explored/under monitored regions. First, earth’s Deep Oceans which contain major geological features such as Divergent Plate Boundaries (tectonic plate pull-apart boundaries), Transform Plate Boundaries (tectonic plate side sliding boundaries), Convergent Plate Boundaries (Subduction and Obduction Zones), and High Heat Flow Volcanic regions. The associated heat and fluid release from these geological features acts to alter ocean temperatures, densities, and chemical compositions. The “Altered Oceans” then influence or drive climate changes and climate related events.
Secondly, earth’s Polar Ice Caps which contain major geological features such as: Divergent (tectonic plate pull-apart boundaries), Transform Plate Boundaries (tectonic plate side sliding boundaries), and High Heat Flow Volcanic regions. The associated heat and fluid release from these geological features acts to alter sub-ice sheet temperatures. The altered Sub-Glacial Ice Sheets then influence or drive climate changes and climate related events.
Many connections between Geology and Climate are explored and explained in this theory.
The technical portion of the website has been divided into three basic categories:
- How Geological Forces Affect Oceans
- How Geological Forces Affect Polar Regions
- How Geological Forces Affect Atmosphere
Individual articles within these categories provide more detail of geological forces affect on climate and climate-related events related to that category.
Such as How Geological Forces:
- Generate El Nino's/La Nina's
- Melt the Base of Selected Antarctic Glaciers
- Melt the Base of the Arctic Sea Ice
- Slowed Down the Gulf Stream Ocean Current
- Emit Significant Amounts of Methane and CO2 into the Atmosphere
- Act Like Deep Ocean "Forest Fires" to Diversify and Spread Coral Reefs
- Significantly Influence Plankton Blooms with Control Earth's Atmospheric Oxygen Content
- Significantly Influence the Temperature and Chemistry of the Oceans
- Act in Concert with Normal Atmospheric Processes to Control Earth's Climate
It makes common sense that if major geological plate boundary geological phenomenon have the power to move continents 2-3 centimeters per year, frequently create large tsunamis that mix thousands of feet of ocean column, support vast chemosynthetic communities, and contain 90% of the planets known active volcanoes that they can certainly/easily influence our climate in a dramatic fashion. Our planet is best described as "water covered" because 71% of the surface area is ocean. Astoundingly, we have only explored 3% of Earth's ocean sea floors. Conversely, we have studied nearly every aspect of the atmosphere. As a result, climate scientists incorrectly assumed that climate was exclusively driven by atmosphere, here termed Atmospheric Bias. The introduction of the Plate Climatology Theory opened a new era of how we interpret our climate, a more balanced approach with includes the impact of geological forces.
It is hoped that this new and comprehensive theory would be a catalyst for future research and provide a platform to join what are now several independently researched branches of science: Geology, Climatology, Meteorology, Oceanography, and Biology. The science of Climate is extremely complex and necessitates a multi-discipline approach.
A Note to Readers
The Plate Climatology Theory was published and presented on January 13, 2016 at the American Meteorological Society Conference in New Orleans, LA.
Plate Climatology is a non-profit website. We make every attempt to properly credit all publications, ideas, charts, graphs, etc.