It comprises and number of phases inclusive rifting, continental drift, progressive closure of ocean basins by subduction, and continental collision with the final closure of the ocean basin.

• 这就是威尔逊循环，它在地球的历史当中多次重演，包括几个阶段：裂谷作用、大陆漂移、因俯冲作用而逐渐消减的海洋盆地。