The N Plate Problem of Plate Tectonics

Abstract

Plate tectonics theory is used to develop a least squares method for finding all the relative motions of any n interacting plates simultaneously. The method ensures internal consistency of results and allows full use to be made of data on relative movement of plates. The least squares fitting criteria are chosen to avoid ambiguity. Relative motions of eight major plates of the world are calculated in preliminary form, and regional and global rates of creation and destruction of lithosphere are derived from these motions.