Evolution of the Ocean Floor

Abstract

In any large synthesis such as this one, there comes a place where one should stand back from the detailed data to reach generalizations about their significance, the “big picture.” In fact, of course, such generalizations often are reached before completion of detailed analysis of data on the basis of assessments developed while data are being accumulated or being organized. The generalizations to be discussed here are a mixture of assessments made prior to and during detailed studies, and revisions made after completion of detailed studies. As with all generalizations, these ones are subject to further change as new information becomes available through wider application of old techniques, invention and use of new techniques, or development and testing of new paradigms. This section of our synthesis is not a summary of the main part of the book, because it does not attempt to include all of the subject material, which was summarized previously anyway in words or diagrams. It is not a conclusions section, because it draws upon some information not previously presented. We hope that the section will provide philosophy that is useful to readers, a means of integrating data from loosely related fields of inquiry, and points of departure for studies by those who object to our generalizations.