The evolving composition and tectonics of the continental crust

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The continents are our home; they define our habitat and the global environment, and, through their riches and risks, influence all aspects of human society. To study the foundations of our global system, we need to answer the composite question "how and when were the continents made, how did they develop into the continents of today, and what processes govern their behaviour today?". This overarching question lies at the core of the human effort to understand the world around us. Likewise, it sets the framework for this integrated geoscientific study. The proposed research focuses on various aspects of continental development, from the formation and evolution of the earliest crust during the Archean (4.0-2.5 billion years ago) to the tectonic processes that affect continental margins in the present day. Through novel approaches and data, we will investigate how and why the early continents were different from those observed today, and how crustal change was linked to key changes in the Earth system, such as the start of global plate tectonics, and the development of our atmosphere and biosphere. In addition, the results from this study will yield new insight into the inner workings of continental active margins-the sites of Earth's highest mountains and most devastating earthquakes. Rocks and minerals from across the world (from Greenland to South Africa, and from Canada to Nepal) and across geologic time will be analysed for this purpose. The three important assets of this program, which will form the foundation for its success, are: 1) a set of clearly defined, innovative and testable concepts, 2) a large team of extremely skilled international researchers from the world over, and 3) analytical methods that are at the cutting edge of innovation. The research capitalizes on the state-of-the-art analytical infrastructure at the Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research-a world-class facility for geochemical analysis, which allows the data required in this study to be obtained at an absolutely unparalleled level of quality. In addition to its scientific impact, the research will provide a major platform for the training of highly qualified personnel (HQP). The HQP will be incorporated in every aspect of the research, from working in the field to obtaining the data necessary to answer key research questions. In the process of their training, the HQP will develop themselves as modern earth scientists, each with a clear vision of the importance of their field in developing a sustainable society, and a newly acquired skill set that will allow them to contribute to this effort. By fostering novel insights, international research collaboration, and excellence training of HQP from all backgrounds, the research will contribute to securing Canada's leading position in global innovation.