Plate tectonics and seafloor spreading are among the most significant geological processes on Earth. However, their emergence and development currently remain unresolved, at least in the secular literature. Some possible mechanisms for the initiation of seafloor spreading are discussed.
The catastrophic plate tectonic (CPT) model for Noah’s Flood was a pioneering attempt to tie aspects of geology together in a conceptual or theoretical physical way. However, the CPT model has an incomplete coverage in clear time order of both Scripture and specific stratigraphy. Formations representing the Flood Year’s receding waters and drying phases seem to have not been considered in a specific time sequence in the CPT model. This is despite the length of these phases being of the order of 7 months (Genesis 8:1-19).
Continental fragmentation in the Neoproterozoic and later full-fledged seafloor spreading, and opening up of today’s oceans, commencing in the Mesozoic were two major events in the tectonic history of the planet. I provide geoscientific evidence for associating these two periods respectively with Noahic Flood fountains bursting forth, and later with initiation of seafloor spreading activated by receding Noahic Flood waters.
Almost the entire Phanerozoic geologic record is considered to have been impacted in some manner by the Noahic Flood. However, seafloor spreading, in this proposed model, is considered to have initiated as a consequence of the Noahic Flood, but shortly after the actual Flood Year. Receding waters flowing into the earth are inferred to lower the melting temperature and reduce viscosity of mantle materials, activating mantle convection to drive tectonic plates.
Compared with the theoretical CPT model, I use actual regional geology case studies in a sequential stratigraphic correlation of the geologic and bible records. Mapped formations and stratigraphy in case study regions, especially in Gondwana, have been correlated in stratigraphic order with the historical stages evident from the record in the book of Genesis. This enabled a proposed biblical young Earth geological history model to be developed, including the receding waters and drying phases of the Flood Year.
This paper proposes a biblical framework which may successively explain the origin of a number of geological features. This includes a major mid-Carboniferous unconformity, the so-called Late Paleozoic Ice Age, Late Paleozoic coal measures, Permian paleodrainage, end Permian mass extinction, indicators of aridity in some Triassic strata, and the Mesozoic commencement of seafloor spreading along with associated passive margins.
I trust that the newly presented geoscientific information will encourage further discussion of the mechanism and timing of seafloor spreading with respect to sequential stages of the Flood Year and its aftermath.