  Neither plate tectonics nor Earth expansion theory is sufficient to provide a
basis for understanding geoscience. Each theory is incomplete and possesses
problematic elements, but both have served as stepping stones to a more
fundamental and inclusive geoscience theory that I call Whole-Earth
Decompression Dynamics (WEDD). WEDD begins with and is the consequence of our
planet's early formation as a Jupiter-like gas giant and permits deduction
of:(1) Earth's internal composition, structure, and highly-reduced oxidation
state; (2) Core formation without whole-planet melting; (3) Powerful new
internal energy sources - proto-planetary energy of compression and georeactor
nuclear fission energy; (4) Georeactor geomagnetic field generation; (5)
Mechanism for heat emplacement at the base of the crust resulting in the
crustal geothermal gradient; (6) Decompression driven geodynamics that accounts
for the myriad of observations attributed to plate tectonics without requiring
physically-impossible mantle convection, and; (7) A mechanism for fold-mountain
formation that does not necessarily require plate collision. The latter
obviates the necessity to assume supercontinent cycles. Here, I review the
principles of Whole-Earth Decompression Dynamics and describe a new underlying
basis for geoscience and geology.

General Physics