Figure 22 is a movie illustrating the model proposed in this paper for the tectonic evolution of the Mediterranean region during the Jurassic and the Cretaceous. This animation can give a better understanding of the mechanism discussed in the previous sections regarding the formation of new oceanic crust during the Jurassic and the subsequent subduction during the Cretaceous. The process is represented in the movie by the appearance of modeled isochrons at stage boundaries and their subsequent motion as new crust forms at spreading centers. Hence, the total amount of oceanic crust that formed during the Jurassic is clearly bounded by the oldest isochrons. Similarly, the destruction of this crust at trench systems during the Cretaceous is easily identified by disappearance of isochrons as they approach the subduction complex.
Animation 22. Computer animation
Computer animation representing model proposed in this paper for the tectonic evolution of the Mediterranean region during the Jurassic and the Cretaceous