ESS101C
Prof.
Jin-Yi Yu
Summary: Tectonic Control of Climate
qPlate Tectonics probably does influence climate
over long time scales.
qThe main influence of plate tectonics on climate
appears to be indirect: by modulating CO2 levels in
the atmosphere through the chemical weathering process.
qThis, in turn, affects climate by way of the
greenhouse effect.
qSuch change, in combination with the long-term
increase in solar luminosity, can account for the main features of
the long-term climate changes.