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Cyclic sedimentary deposits link stratigraphic sequences that are now geographically distant but were once part of the same depositional environment. Some of these sequences occur at periods of 2 to 20 million years, and eustatic sea-level variations or regional tectonic events are likely causes of their formation. Using numerical modeling, we demonstrate that small-scale mantle convection can also cause the development of stratigraphic sequences through recurrent local and regional vertical surface movements. Small-scale convection-driven stratigraphic sequences occur at periods of 2 to 20 million years and correlate only at distances up to a few hundred kilometers. These results suggest that previous sequence stratigraphic analyses may contain erroneous conclusions regarding eustatic sea-level variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a report within the issue regarding geophysics research investigating global plate tectonics. A brief overview of how convention within planet Earth's mantle affects geological activity, such as tectonic motions on the surface of Earth, is presented. Topics include an overview of plate tectonics and the team's creation of a numerical model, which uses adaptive mesh refinement algorithms on parallel computers to observe global mantle flows through simulation methods, and the behavioral influence of the oceanic lithosphere on plate driving forces.