Original paper
Hans Stille’s contributions to geotectonics – a discussion
Greiling, Reinhard O.
Global Tectonics and Metallogeny Volume 10 Number 2-4 (2018), p. 127 - 131
48 references
published: May 1, 2018
manuscript accepted: Nov 14, 2017
manuscript revision received: Nov 7, 2017
manuscript revision requested: Oct 1, 2017
manuscript received: Jun 23, 2017
ArtNo. ESP136001002007, Price: 19.00 €
Abstract
With 2 tables Abstract: According to recent usage, geotectonics refers mainly to the “architecture” of lithospheric plates, which include cratons and orogens, and aims at studying processes, which led to the structural grain and the overall structure of the lithosphere. Stille’s contributions to geotectonics comprise the geosynclinal concept of orogen evolution with geotectonic and geomagmatic cycles and the distinction between pervasive, orogenic deformation and epeirogenic deformation/faulting in a consolidated lithosphere. At present, this is considered obsolete and incompatible with plate tectonics concepts. However, some of his definitions of and contributions on orogenic phases may still be relevant. Some of these “phases” are still being used either to characterize orogenic episodes (e.g. Caledonian, Hercynian) or particular unconformities. Stille may be an example of a founder of a mainstream with an early stage of progress and success and a subsequent decline.
Keywords
geotectonics • geosyncline • orogenesis • Hans Stille