Reconstruction Models
The list below describes the plate tectonic reconstruction models that are available within the GPlates Web Service.
All models by default comprise a minimum of a rotation model and a set of static polygons. The availability of other components varies between different models. Models also vary in the range of geological time that they cover.
The more information about a list of EarthByte global and regional plate motion models can be found at https://www.earthbyte.org/category/resources/data-models/global-regional-plate-motion-models/. Not all models have been included in this web service.
A list of model names can be found at https://gws.gplates.org/list/model_names and you can find the details about these models at https://gws.gplates.org/list/models.
MULLER2022
A tectonic-rules-based mantle reference frame since 1 billion years ago
- Available layers: [Coastlines | Static Plate Polygons]
- Timespan: [0 - 1000 Ma]
- More information:
- Examples:
MERDITH2021
Extending full-plate tectonic models into deep time: Linking the Neoproterozoic and the Phanerozoic
- Available layers: [Coastlines | Static Plate Polygons]
- Timespan: [0 - 1000 Ma]
- More information:
- Examples:
MULLER2019
A Global Plate Model Including Lithospheric Deformation Along Major Rifts and Orogens Since the Triassic
- Available layers: [Coastlines | Static Plate Polygons]
- Timespan: [0 - 250 Ma]
- More information:
- Examples:
MULLER2016
Late Triassic to present-day global model (the Pacific correction has been applied)
- Available layers: [Coastlines | Topological Plate Polygons]
- Timespan: [0 - 230 Ma]
- More information:
- Examples:
MATTHEWS2016_mantle_ref
Late Paleozoic to present-day global model(Mantle Reference Frame and the Pacific correction has been applied.)
- Available layers: [Coastlines | Topological Plate Polygons]
- Timespan: [0 - 410 Ma]
- More information:
- Examples:
MATTHEWS2016_pmag_ref
Late Paleozoic to present-day global model(Paleomagnetic Reference Frame)
- Available layers: [Coastlines | Topological Plate Polygons]
- Timespan: [0 - 410 Ma]
- More information:
- Examples:
RODINIA2013
Rodinia model from Precambrian Research
Available layers: [Coastlines]
Timespan: [530 - 1100 Ma]
More information:
Examples:
- https://gws.gplates.org/reconstruct/reconstruct_points/?points=23,-6,127,-21&time=540&model=RODINIA2013
- https://gws.gplates.org/reconstruct/coastlines/?time=540&model=RODINIA2013
Note: The RODINIA2013 model starts at 540Ma.
SETON2012 (default model)
Post-Pangea model from Earth-Science Reviews
- Available layers: [Coastlines | Topological Plate Polygons]
- Timespan: [0 - 200 Ma]
- More information:
- Examples:
GOLONKA
- Available layers: [Coastlines]
- Timespan: [0 - 550 Ma]
- More information:
- Examples:
- Note: The GOLONKA model currently does not work for any present-day ocean point.
PALEOMAP
Scotese (2016) PALEOMAP reconstructions
- Available layers: [Coastlines]
- Timespan: [0 - 1100 Ma]
- More information:
- Examples: