Earth architecture (geotecture) in the light of global plate tectonics

Abstract

In spite of achivements of structural geomorphology during the last 30 years, most large-scale units of the Earth's surface (elements of its architecture) have not been sufficiently explained from geomorphological point of view. The new theory of global plate tectonics is most promising in the mater; it was confirmed when compiling the map of planation surfaces of the USSR territory. According to the theory, the following events were of most importance during the middle macrocycle of the geomorphological stage of the Earth's development: a) lateral displacement (drift) of continental plates (continents) and oceanic basins formation («opening»), b) Alpine orogenesis. These processes resulted in the formation of largest geotectures within oceans and continental plates. 15 main elements of the Earth's architecture have been defined from the positions of the new theory; the elements are in good agreement with global tectonic structures and characterize by special set of morphostructures.