Plate motions predictions based on the constraint of toroidal-poloidal equipartition

Using a kinematic approach, we study the evolution of a system of plates wh ose Euler poles and shapes are dictated by the requirement of toroidal-polo idal equipartition. Though no attempt is made to model the dynamical aspect s of the problem and the time-scales involved, the simulations performed le ad to configurations of plates which share with the currently observed one an excess of drift energy with respect to spin energy. The existence of fas tly spinning plates seems to be in contradiction with the constraint of tor oidal-poloidal equipartition. Their fate is to quickly disappear to prevent an excess of toroidal energy in the tectonic plates system.