Search

Plate reconstructions provide basic constraints on the tectonic evolution of the Antarctic Peninsula but they are limited by a scarcity of paleomagnetic data. Here, using a combination of new and published paleomagnetic data and geological evidence, we present an updated reconstruction of the plate rotation and spatio‐temporal history of magmatism of the northern Antarctic Peninsula since ∼90 Ma. The Phoenix Plate‐Antarctic Peninsula convergence variation and back‐arc extension of the Scotia Plate are correlated to five distinct plate rotation periods. The initiation of the ancestral South Sandwich subduction zone and the late Paleocene separation between the Antarctic Peninsula and South America may be explained by the small‐ and large‐scale clockwise rotation of the Antarctic Peninsula starting at ∼80 and 62 Ma, respectively. Furthermore, we have identified five pulses of magmatism, which are correlated to the Phoenix Plate‐Antarctic Peninsula convergence rates. The Antarctic Peninsula plate rotation fits well with the process observed in the Phoenix Plate subduction, long‐term variation of the magmatism and tectonic evolution in the Scotia Sea, clarifying the relationship between these geological events. Plain Language Summary: In this study, we update the northern Antarctic Peninsula‐South Shetland Islands plate rotation process since ∼90 Ma. Five new enhanced magmatic events are identified in the northern Antarctic Peninsula‐South Shetland Islands, and we also reconstruct the migration of magmatism. Then, we compare plate rotation and magmatic migration to the Phoenix Plate‐Antarctic Peninsula convergence, and find a strong correlation between these events. The abrupt change in the convergence rate is attributed to the enhanced magmatic events. The clockwise rotation of the northern Antarctic Peninsula also corresponds to the Late Cretaceous initiation of the ancestral South Sandwich subduction zone and the late Paleocene separation of the northern Antarctic Peninsula from South America, indicating a causal relationship. The counterclockwise rotation of the northern Antarctic Peninsula after ∼47 Ma facilitated lithospheric extension and basin opening in the South Scotia Ridge region, contributing to the opening of the Scotia Sea. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive interpretation of the geological process in Scotia Sea regions, from slab subduction and overlaying plate rotation to magmatic evolution and continental separation. Key Points: We provide an updated reconstruction of the plate rotation and magmatic process of the northern Antarctic Peninsula since ∼90 MaThe relationship between Phoenix Plate subduction, northern Antarctic Peninsula plate rotation, and magmatic migration is reconstructedThe northern Antarctic Peninsula's plate rotation is linked to Weddell Sea crust subduction and the late Paleocene opening of the Scotia Sea [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]