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Volume 535 Issue 7610, 7 July 2016

Viscosity field and surface of a convection model of Earth: low viscosity zones in red are plate boundaries and high viscosity zones in dark blue are continents. The interior shows hotspots in red and subduction zones blue. The subsurface layers of Earth appear as an interlocking network of tectonic or lithospheric plates of various sizes and shapes. The nature of the link between mantle flow and tectonics, and the origin of the layout of the plates remain largely unknown. Claire Mallard et al. have developed computer models of mantle convection with plate-like behaviour and use them to produce a series of ‘virtual Earths� that project the network of plate boundaries through time. The models suggest that the layout of large plates is controlled by the spacing between subducting slabs, and that stresses caused by the bending of trenches break plates into smaller fragments, explaining why rapid evolution in small back-arc plates reflects the dramatic changes in plate motions during times of major plate-tectonic reorganizations. Cover C. Mallard et al.

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Comment

  • Alastair Lewis and Peter Edwards call on researchers to test the accuracy of low-cost monitoring devices before regulators are flooded with questionable air-quality data.

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Books & Arts

  • Ethan Carr traces the arc of influence in landscape creation and preservation from 'Capability' Brown to Frederick Law Olmsted and the US National Park Service.

    • Ethan Carr
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News & Views

  • The Hitomi astronomical satellite observed gas motions in the Perseus galaxy cluster shortly before losing contact with Earth. Its findings are invaluable to studies of cluster physics and cosmology. See Letter p.117

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Letter

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    • Yang Hsia
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  • Computer models of mantle convection with plate-like behaviour are used to demonstrate that the size–frequency distribution of tectonic plates on Earth is controlled by subduction geometry—the spacing between subducting slabs controls the layout of large plates, and the stresses caused by the bending of trenches break plates into smaller fragments.

    • Claire Mallard
    • Nicolas Coltice
    • Paul J. Tackley
    Letter
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    • Brian T. DeVree
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    Letter
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  • A postdoc job is good for your career, but don't get stuck in an academic cul-de-sac, says Søren-Peter Olesen.

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