Deciphering Supercontinent Cycles and Global Geodynamics: Paleomagnetic data from the Grand Canyon

The dynamic nature of plate tectonics makes Earth a unique planet and may be an underlying process that dictates habitability via chemical weathering, nutrient fluxes, and the creation of diverse ecosystems. Of particular importance is the supercontinent cycle, which has been proposed to be an important control on biogeochemical fluxes through Earth history.  The paleogeography and breakup of the supercontinent Rodinia ~ 750-800 million years ago has been implicated as a causal factor in the initiation of global glaciation, diversification of marine biota, global mantle flow, and the second rise of oxygen. Unfortunately, there are a plethora of proposed paleogeographic and rift models. The differences stem from issues with proxy records, reliance on whole-rock ages, and uncertainties in paleomagnetic data. Here, I present new paleomagnetic data from the Grand Canyon integrated with global geochronologic and paleomagnetic datasets. The results allow for evaluation of proposed supercontinent paleogeography which is consistent with Australia located near the present southern margin of Laurentia but also highlights key issues that require greater investigation.  I will end with a brief discussion of ongoing work investigating mantle plume-induced True polar wander (TPW).