A new generation of the tectonic-geodynamic model of the earth: Review of the problem

Presented are the review and analysis of a series of works of Russian scientists devoted to the motion of continents and to global tectonics and geodynamics. The increasing number of publications on this subject is accounted for by controversy and imperfection of some theoretical aspects of plate tectonics. This is especially true of processes in deep mantle geospheres. The analysis performed shows that a transition to creating tectonogeodynamic models of a new generation has already started. Important components of the models are the development of the problem of a detached continent drift, primarily, mechanisms of this motion. The publications under consideration provide insight into several such mechanisms: the effect of the tidal forces of the Moon and Sun, which induce discrete wave motion in all mantle geospheres down to the core; the difference in density of oceanic and continental masses; the continental drift over the mantle as a result of cohesion; and the tectonic flow, which implies a structure-forming motion of both minor (at the microlevel) and major rock masses in the Earth’s crust and mantle. The globalization of tectonic and geodynamic models has already allowed the advance of such a timely problem as the history of the geologic evolution of deep geospheres.