On “Fault Blocks” and “Plates”

From the viewpoint of blocktectonics theory, plates are nothing but faultblocks of a particular category, being confined by huge fracture zones cutting through the entire thickness of the lithosphere. They are blocks of the first order of magnitude, called the lithospheric fault blocks . Plate tectonics theory has developed chiefly on the basis of geophysical investigations of the oceans, bringing forward some valuable new ideas. However, most of the investigators of this theory have not been well informed with geological features of continental regions, and made no full use of the scientific conclusions and ideological method obtained since the present century from investigations of the continental geological structures. This has hindered the further development of the plate tectonics theory. The present work begins with a brief introduction to the history of development of fault-block theory and its present arguments. Then it goes with some views on a number of the main problems that have arisen from the study of plate tectonics by applying the method of geomechanical and geohistorical analyses as used on block tectonics The authors hold that the mechanism of plate boundary is chiefly controlled by the mode of activity of the zigzag fractures in the basement. The distribution of stresses within the so-called plate is also related to the complex activities of the second-order of fault-blocks having different strength within the same plate. With respect to the driving force of plate movements, it is necessary to consider not only the thermal action in the interior of the earth but also its gravitational effects and various dynamical behaviours as a rotating celestial body.