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Overview of Plate Climatology Theory

earth mantleThe Sun, quite obviously, is the first-order driver of the Earth’s climate, but a much neglected second order driver can also contribute significantly to natural variations: geothermal forces.

The overall theory contends that periods of active earth tectonics and volcanism can be correlated to periods of active climate change and climate-related events.

To describe this new theory, the term Plate Climatology is designated. The theory was first formally introduced on October 7, 2014, after 10 years of research.

In general, increased tectonic activity, either locally or globally, equates to more faulting and volcanic activity, which leads to more heat and fluid release from these active geological features into both the oceans and atmosphere.

Altered heat and fluid input equates to climate change

This effect has been largely hidden from any scientific investigation because the heat and fluid release is primarily from two under-explored/under-monitored regions.

First, the Earth’s Deep Oceans, which contain major geological features such as Divergent Plate Boundaries (tectonic plate pull-apart boundaries), Transform Plate Boundaries (tectonic plate side sliding boundaries), Convergent Plate Boundaries (Subduction and Obduction Zones), and High Heat Flow Volcanic regions.

The associated heat and fluid release from these geological features act to alter ocean temperatures, densities, and chemical compositions. The “Altered Oceans” then influence or drive climate changes and climate-related events.

Secondly, the Earth’s Polar Ice Caps, which contain major geological features such as Divergent (tectonic plate pull-apart boundaries), Transform Plate Boundaries (tectonic plate side sliding boundaries), and High Heat Flow Volcanic regions.

The associated heat and fluid release from these geological features act to alter sub-ice sheet temperatures. The altered Sub-Glacial Ice Sheets then influence or drive climate changes and climate-related events.

Many connections between Geology and Climate are explored and explained in this theory. The technical portion of the website has been divided into three basic categories:

  1. How Geological Forces Affect Oceans
  2. How Geological Forces Affect Polar Regions
  3. How Geological Forces Affect Atmosphere

Individual articles within these categories provide more detail on the effect of geological forces on climate and climate-related events related to that category.
Such as How Geological Forces:

  • Generate El Ninos/La Ninas
  • Melt the Base of Selected Antarctic Glaciers
  • Melt the Base of the Arctic Sea Ice
  • Slowed Down the Gulf Stream Ocean Current
  • Emit Significant Amounts of Methane and CO2 into the Atmosphere
  • Act Like Deep Ocean “Forest Fires” to Diversify and Spread Coral Reefs
  • Significantly Influence Plankton Blooms with Control Earth’s Atmospheric Oxygen Content
  • Significantly Influence the Temperature and Chemistry of the Oceans
  • Act in Concert with Normal Atmospheric Processes to Control Earth’s Climate

It makes common sense that if major geological plate boundary geological phenomenon has the power to move continents 2-3 centimeters per year, frequently create large tsunamis that mix thousands of feet of ocean column, support vast chemosynthetic communities, and contain 90 percent of the planets known active volcanoes that they can certainly/easily influence our climate in a dramatic fashion.

The surface of our planet is best described as “water covered” because 71 percent of it is covered by water, specifically our oceans. Astoundingly, we have only explored three percent of Earth’s ocean sea floors. Conversely, we have studied nearly every aspect of the atmosphere.

As a result, climate scientists incorrectly assumed that climate was exclusively driven by the atmosphere, here termed Atmospheric Bias.

The introduction of the Plate Climatology Theory opened a new era of how we interpret our climate, a more balanced approach with includes the impact of geological forces.

It is hoped that this new and comprehensive theory would be a catalyst for future research and provide a platform to join what are now several independently researched branches of science: Geology, Climatology, Meteorology, Oceanography, and Biology.

The science of Climate is extremely complex and necessitates a multi-discipline approach.

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AMS Poster

James Edward Kamis is a Geologist and AAPG member of 41 years and who has always been fascinated by the connection between Geology and Climate. Years of research and observation have convinced him that the Earth’s Heat Flow Engine, which drives the outer crustal plates, is also an important driver of the Earth’s climate. He is the author of The Plate Climatology Theory: How Geological Forces Influence, Alter, Or Control Earth’s Climate And Climate-Related Events.

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