Mega-relief of the Earth and lithospheric plate tectonics

Abstract

Main forms of the Earth's mega-relief are considered in reference to their relation to main geostructures types which age distinguished by the plate tectonics theory. Main geotectures groups include oceans, mterplate transition zones (active oceanic margins), interpolate orogens, intraplate transition zones (passive oceanic margins), 29 types of mega-relief are distinguished within the groups. The systematics of the mega-relief types is described, and their spatial distribution over the Earth's surface is shown. The importance of works of I. P. Gerasimov is stressed, who was the first to apply the plate tectonics' concept to the global geomorphology.