Numerical modelling of Archean Earth tectonics and crust formation

The thesis focused on investigating early (Archean) Earth geodynamics using numerical modelling and benchmarking the results against the preserved rock record. The thesis attempts to answer three main research questions: (1) What mechanism(s) and tectonic setting(s) were responsible for the formation of Archean continental crust? (2) How did the Earth’s lithosphere dynamics evolved from a non-plate tectonic mode to plate tectonics? and, (3) What role did the Archean cratons play in the tectonic evolution of Earth and in the cooling of mantle. The findings affirm the hypothesis of transition of lithospheric drips into plate tectonics along Earth’s mantle cooling process.