Lateral propagation-induced subduction initiation at passive continental margins controlled by preexisting lithospheric weakness.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the conditions for forming new subduction zones at passive continental margins is important for understanding plate tectonics and the Wilson cycle. Previous models of subduction initiation (SI) at passive margins generally ignore effects due to the lateral transition from oceanic to continental lithosphere. Here, we use three-dimensional numerical models to study the possibility of propagating convergent plate margins from preexisting intraoceanic subduction zones along passive margins [subduction propagation (SP)]. Three possible regimes are achieved: (i) subducting slab tearing along a STEP fault, (ii) lateral propagation-induced SI at passive margin, and (iii) aborted SI with slab break-off. Passive margin SP requires a significant preexisting lithospheric weakness and a s

SUBMITTER: Zhou X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7056308 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature