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Contents of 12.9 What were the consequences of plate motion over geologic time?

12.9 What were the consequences of plate motion over geologic time?

• Geologists reconstruct prior plate position based on a number of data
• Inference of tectonic setting based on a rock's composition and texture. Isotopic dating can be used to see when they existed in these environments.
• Regional metamorphism relates to convergent plate boundaries. Forces from collisions can be estimated from metamorphic structures, and isotopic dating can be used to date such collisions.
• Sedimentary rock record erosion from mountains and deposition in basins. Fossils contained in them indicate when these tectonic elements existed in the landscape, and unconformities record when tectonic forces deformed basins.