Three-dimensional numerical models of the influence of a buoyant oceanic plateau on subduction zones (2024)

Mason, W. G., Moresi, L., Betts, P. G. (2010). Three-dimensional numerical models of the influence of a buoyant oceanic plateau on subduction zones. Tectonophysics, 483(1-2), 71-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2009.08.021

Mason, W. G. ; Moresi, L. ; Betts, P. G. et al. / Three-dimensional numerical models of the influence of a buoyant oceanic plateau on subduction zones. In: Tectonophysics. 2010 ; Vol. 483, No. 1-2. pp. 71-79.

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title = "Three-dimensional numerical models of the influence of a buoyant oceanic plateau on subduction zones",

abstract = "We have investigated potential effects on a subduction zone during oceanic plateau-trench collision, using three-dimensional numerical models. An oceanic plateau of varied density was embedded in the slab, which was pinned at one end. The plateaus strongly influenced the shape of the trench. For a plateau with a higher density, the trench retreat rate was reduced in the region surrounding the plateau, and the plateau subducted along with the slab. For lower density plateaus, the trench in the region of the plateau advanced, and the plateau compressed and resisted subduction, spreading laterally along the trench. With a weaker slab rheology, the arcuate shape of the trench towards the free end of the trench was enhanced. Beneath the most buoyant plateaus, a tear formed in the subducted portion of the slab, soon after the slab tip reached the top of the lower mantle. We compare the model results with a region in the northwest Pacific, where the Ogasawara Plateau meets the trench of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana subduction zone.",

keywords = "Buoyancy, Numerical modelling, Slab tear, Subduction, Trench migration",

author = "Mason, {W. G.} and L. Moresi and Betts, {P. G.} and Miller, {M. S.}",

year = "2010",

month = mar,

day = "1",

doi = "10.1016/j.tecto.2009.08.021",

language = "English",

volume = "483",

pages = "71--79",

journal = "Tectonophysics",

issn = "0040-1951",

publisher = "Elsevier B.V.",

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Mason, WG, Moresi, L, Betts, PG 2010, 'Three-dimensional numerical models of the influence of a buoyant oceanic plateau on subduction zones', Tectonophysics, vol. 483, no. 1-2, pp. 71-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2009.08.021

Three-dimensional numerical models of the influence of a buoyant oceanic plateau on subduction zones. / Mason, W. G.; Moresi, L.; Betts, P. G. et al.
In: Tectonophysics, Vol. 483, No. 1-2, 01.03.2010, p. 71-79.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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T1 - Three-dimensional numerical models of the influence of a buoyant oceanic plateau on subduction zones

AU - Mason, W. G.

AU - Moresi, L.

AU - Betts, P. G.

AU - Miller, M. S.

PY - 2010/3/1

Y1 - 2010/3/1

N2 - We have investigated potential effects on a subduction zone during oceanic plateau-trench collision, using three-dimensional numerical models. An oceanic plateau of varied density was embedded in the slab, which was pinned at one end. The plateaus strongly influenced the shape of the trench. For a plateau with a higher density, the trench retreat rate was reduced in the region surrounding the plateau, and the plateau subducted along with the slab. For lower density plateaus, the trench in the region of the plateau advanced, and the plateau compressed and resisted subduction, spreading laterally along the trench. With a weaker slab rheology, the arcuate shape of the trench towards the free end of the trench was enhanced. Beneath the most buoyant plateaus, a tear formed in the subducted portion of the slab, soon after the slab tip reached the top of the lower mantle. We compare the model results with a region in the northwest Pacific, where the Ogasawara Plateau meets the trench of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana subduction zone.

AB - We have investigated potential effects on a subduction zone during oceanic plateau-trench collision, using three-dimensional numerical models. An oceanic plateau of varied density was embedded in the slab, which was pinned at one end. The plateaus strongly influenced the shape of the trench. For a plateau with a higher density, the trench retreat rate was reduced in the region surrounding the plateau, and the plateau subducted along with the slab. For lower density plateaus, the trench in the region of the plateau advanced, and the plateau compressed and resisted subduction, spreading laterally along the trench. With a weaker slab rheology, the arcuate shape of the trench towards the free end of the trench was enhanced. Beneath the most buoyant plateaus, a tear formed in the subducted portion of the slab, soon after the slab tip reached the top of the lower mantle. We compare the model results with a region in the northwest Pacific, where the Ogasawara Plateau meets the trench of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana subduction zone.

KW - Buoyancy

KW - Numerical modelling

KW - Slab tear

KW - Subduction

KW - Trench migration

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U2 - 10.1016/j.tecto.2009.08.021

DO - 10.1016/j.tecto.2009.08.021

M3 - Article

SN - 0040-1951

VL - 483

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JO - Tectonophysics

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Mason WG, Moresi L, Betts PG, Miller MS. Three-dimensional numerical models of the influence of a buoyant oceanic plateau on subduction zones. Tectonophysics. 2010 Mar 1;483(1-2):71-79. doi: 10.1016/j.tecto.2009.08.021