Reconstructing the History of Plate Motions Involved with the Formation of Libya Linea, Astypalaea Linea, and Cyclades Macula, Europa.
Welcome to the animation page for Europa plate reconstructions of Libya Linea, Astypalaea Linea, Cyclades Macula, and Ancaeus Linea by Charlie Detelich, Wes Patterson, and Geoff Collins!
Below you will find a video of our complete reconstruction, along with 4 shorter videos that split our reconstruction into different stages.
Right Lateral Shearing
Right-lateral shearing (trending NE-SW) concentrated in the southwest resulting in initial NNE-SSW dilation of Libya Linea
Right Lateral Transtension and Counterclockwise Rotations
Right-lateral transtension (trending N-S) of Libya Linea, Astypalaea Linea, and Cyclades Macula resulting in 2nd phase of opening for Libya, first phase of opening for Astypalaea, and opening of Ancaeus Linea. Eventually, Ancaeus Linea finishes dilating and counterclockwise rotations must occur for Libya, Astypalaea, and Cyclades to continue opening.
Right Lateral Shear and Counterclockwise Rotations
Non-uniform N-S dilation of a band (more dilation western portion of band) and counter clockwise rotations result in 3rd phase of Libya opening and 2nd phase of Astypalaea opening. Right lateral shearing of plates south of Astypalaea result in final opening of Astypalaea.
Counterclockwise Rotations
Slight counterclockwise rotations result in final opening of Libya Linea.