In the 60 years since its acceptance, the theory of plate tectonics revolutionised the way we interpret the evolution of our planet, the formation and distribution of its resources, as well as how this supported - or suppressed - life. However, the theory has not been static since the 1960s, with many discussions regarding the role of how the supercontinent cycle, the Wilson cycle, mantle dynamics, and syn-drift tectonics fit within the theory, alongside the creation of (forward and backward) deep time reconstructions. In this session, we welcome contributions to look to the future of the theory of plate tectonics: what are we still missing in our understanding of tectonic features?

A list of potential topics and open questions include (but are not limited to): Are tectonic features more local exceptions than global rule? Are tectonics a bottom-up consequence or a top-down driver of geodynamics? How is interior/exterior cycling of material affected by plate tectonics? Is there a dominant mechanism for plate tectonic features of rifting and orogenesis? Can subduction begin spontaneously and has it changed over Earth’s history? Is there a deep time limit to plate reconstruction histories? When did plate tectonics begin? When will it end? Can there ever be Earth-like plate tectonics on another planet? Is plate tectonics a rule or an exception in the geodynamic cooling history of a rocky planet?

This session invites you to share your work and join the Tectonics and Structural Geology community to explore the future of plate tectonics 60 years on from its acceptance.