Articles | Volume 13, issue 9
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1455-2022
© Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1455-2022
© Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
23 Sep 2022
Research article |
| 23 Sep 2022
| 23 Sep 2022
The effect of low-viscosity sediments on the dynamics and accretionary style of subduction margins
Adina E. Pusok
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
Invited contribution by Adina E. Pusok, recipient of the EGU Tectonics and Structural Geology Outstanding Student Poster Award 2014.
Dave R. Stegman
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
Madeleine Kerr
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
Related authors
Yuan Li, Timothy Davis, Adina E. Pusok, and Richard F. Katz
Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 6219–6238, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-6219-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-6219-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Magmatic dykes transport magma to the Earth's surface, sometimes causing eruptions. We advanced a model of dyking, treating it as plastic deformation in a porous medium, unlike the classic model that treats dykes as fractures in elastic solids. Comparing the two, we found the plastic model aligns with the fracture model in dyke speed and energy consumption, despite quantitative differences. This new method could be a powerful tool for understanding volcanic processes during tectonic activity.
Iris van Zelst, Fabio Crameri, Adina E. Pusok, Anne Glerum, Juliane Dannberg, and Cedric Thieulot
Solid Earth, 13, 583–637, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-583-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-583-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Geodynamic modelling provides a powerful tool to investigate processes in the Earth’s crust, mantle, and core that are not directly observable. In this review, we present a comprehensive yet concise overview of the modelling process with an emphasis on best practices. We also highlight synergies with related fields, such as seismology and geology. Hence, this review is the perfect starting point for anyone wishing to (re)gain a solid understanding of geodynamic modelling as a whole.
Yuan Li, Timothy Davis, Adina E. Pusok, and Richard F. Katz
Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 6219–6238, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-6219-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-6219-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Magmatic dykes transport magma to the Earth's surface, sometimes causing eruptions. We advanced a model of dyking, treating it as plastic deformation in a porous medium, unlike the classic model that treats dykes as fractures in elastic solids. Comparing the two, we found the plastic model aligns with the fracture model in dyke speed and energy consumption, despite quantitative differences. This new method could be a powerful tool for understanding volcanic processes during tectonic activity.
Iris van Zelst, Fabio Crameri, Adina E. Pusok, Anne Glerum, Juliane Dannberg, and Cedric Thieulot
Solid Earth, 13, 583–637, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-583-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-583-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Geodynamic modelling provides a powerful tool to investigate processes in the Earth’s crust, mantle, and core that are not directly observable. In this review, we present a comprehensive yet concise overview of the modelling process with an emphasis on best practices. We also highlight synergies with related fields, such as seismology and geology. Hence, this review is the perfect starting point for anyone wishing to (re)gain a solid understanding of geodynamic modelling as a whole.
Cited articles
Agard, P., Plunder, A., Angiboust, S., Bonnet, G., and Ruh, J.: The subduction
plate interface: rock record and mechanical coupling (from long to short
timescales), Lithos, 320/321, 537–566, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2018.09.029,
2018. a, b
Agrusta, R., Goes, S., and van Hunen, J.: Subducting-slab transition-zone
interaction: Stagnation, penetration and mode switches, Earth Planet. Sc.
Lett., 464, 10–23, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2017.02.005, 2017. a
Angiboust, S., Menant, A., Gerya, T., and Oncken, O.: The rise and demise of
deep accretionary wedges: A long-term field and numerical modeling
perspective, Geosphere, 17, 1–35, https://doi.org/10.1130/GES02392.1, 2021. a, b, c
Babeyko, A. and Sobolev, S.: High-resolution numerical modeling of stress
distribution in visco-elasto-plastic subducting slabs, Lithos, 103,
205–216, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2007.09.015, 2008. a, b
Bangs, N. L., Morgan, J. K., Tréhu, A. M., Contreras-Reyes, E., Arnulf,
A. F., Han, S., Olsen, K., and Zhang, E.: Basal accretion along the south
central Chilean margin and its relationship to great earthquakes, J.
Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 125, 1–21, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JB019861,
2020. a
Beall, A., Fagereng, A., Davies, J. H., Garel, F., and Davies, D. R.: Influence
of subduction zone dynamics on interface shear stress and potential
relationship with seismogenic behavior, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy.,
22, 1–20, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GC009267, 2021. a, b, c
Beaumont, C., Ellis, S., and Pfiffner, A.: Dynamics of sediment
subduction-accretion at convergent margins: Short-term modes, long-term
deformation, and tectonic implications, J. Geophys. Res., 104,
17573–17601, https://doi.org/10.1029/1999JB900136, 1999. a
Becker, T., Faccenna, C., O'Connell, R., and Giardini, D.: The development of
slabs in the upper mantle: Insights from numerical and laboratory
experiments, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 104,
15207–15226, https://doi.org/10.1029/1999jb900140, 1999. a
Bellahsen, N., Faccenna, C., and Funiciello, F.: Dynamics of subduction and
plate motion in laboratory experiments: Insights into the “plate
tectonics” behavior of the Earth, J. Geophys. Res., 110, 1–15,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2004JB002999, 2005. a
Bercovici, D.: The generation of plate tectonics from mantle convection, Earth
Planet. Sc. Lett., 205, 107–121, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0012-821X(02)01009-9, 2003. a
Bercovici, D. and Ricard, Y.: Plate tectonics damage and inheritance, Nature,
508, 513–516, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature13072, 2014. a
Billen, M. and Hirth, G.: Rheologic controls on slab dynamics, Geochem.
Geophy. Geosy., 8, 1–24, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007GC001597, 2007. a, b
Brizzi, S., van Zelst, I., Funiciello, F., Corbi, F., and van Dinther, Y.: How
sediment thickness influences subduction dynamics and seismicity, J.
Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 125, 1–19, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JB018964,
2020. a, b, c
Brizzi, S., Becker, T. W., Faccenna, C., Behr, W., van Zelst, I., Dal Zilio,
L., and van Dinther, Y.: The role of sediment accretion and buoyancy on
subduction dynamics and geometry, Geophys. Res. Lett., 48, 1–12,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GL096266, 2021. a, b
Buffett, B. A. and Heuret, A.: Curvature of subducted lithosphere from
earthquake locations in the Wadati-Benioff zone, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy.,
12, 1–13, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011GC003570, 2011. a
Capitanio, F. and Morra, G.: The bending mechanics in a dynamic subduction
system: Constraints from numerical modelling and global compilation analysis,
Tectonophysics, 522–523, 224–234, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2011.12.003, 2012. a
Capitanio, F., Stegman, D., Moresi, L., and Sharples, W.: Upper plate controls
on deep subduction, trench migrations and deformations at convergent margins,
Tectonophysics, 483, 80–92, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2009.08.020, 2010. a
Chertova, M. V., Geenen, T., van den Berg, A., and Spakman, W.: Using open sidewalls for modelling self-consistent lithosphere subduction dynamics, Solid Earth, 3, 313–326, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-3-313-2012, 2012. a
Cizkova, H. and Bina, C.: Effects of mantle and subduction-interface rheologies
on slab stagnation and trench rollback, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 379,
95–103, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2013.08.011, 2013. a
Cizkova, H. and Bina, C.: Linked influences on slab stagnation: Interplay
between lower mantle viscosity structure, phase transitions, and plate
coupling, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 509, 88–99,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2018.12.027, 2019. a
Clarke, A., Vannucchi, P., and Morgan, J.: Seamount chain–subduction zone
interactions: Implications for accretionary and erosive subduction zone
behavior, Geology, 46, 367–370, https://doi.org/10.1130/G40063.1, 2018. a
Cloos, M. and Shreve, R.: Subduction-channel model of prism accretion, melange
formation, sediment subduction, and subduction erosion at convergent plate
margins: 1. Background and description, PAGEOPH, 128, 455–500,
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00874548, 1988. a
Comte, D., Farias, M., Roecker, S., and Russo, R.: The nature of the subduction
wedge in an erosive margin: Insights from the analysis of aftershocks of the
2015 Mw 8.3 Illapel earthquake beneath the Chilean Coastal Range, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 520, 50–62, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2019.05.033,
2019. a
Conrad, C. and Hager, B.: Effects of plate bending and fault strength at
subduction zones on plate dynamics, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 104, 17551–17571, https://doi.org/10.1029/1999jb900149, 1999. a, b, c
Crameri, F. and Tackley, P.: Parameters controlling dynamically self-consistent
plate tectonics and single-sided subduction in global models of mantle
convection, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 120, 3680–3706,
https://doi.org/10.1002/2014JB011664, 2015. a, b
Crameri, F., Schmeling, H., Golabek, G. J., Duretz, T., Orendt, R., Buiter, S.
J. H., May, D. A., Kaus, B. J., Gerya, T. V., and Tackley, P. J.: A
comparison of numerical surface topography calculations in geodynamic
modelling: an evaluation of the “sticky air” method, Geophys. J.
Int., 189, 38–54, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246X.2012.05388.x, 2012. a
Currie, C., Beaumont, C., and Huismans, R.: The fate of subducted sediments: A
case for backarc intrusion and underplating, Geology, 35, 1111–1114,
https://doi.org/10.1130/G24098A.1, 2007. a, b
Dahlen, F.: Noncohesive critical coulomb wedges: An exact solution, J.
Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 89, 10125–10133,
https://doi.org/10.1029/JB089iB12p10125, 1984. a, b
Dahlen, F., Suppe, J., and Davis, D.: Mechanics of fold-and-thrust belts and
accretionary wedges: Cohesive coulomb theory, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 89, 10087–10101, https://doi.org/10.1029/JB089iB12p10087,
1984. a, b
Dasgupta, R. and Hirschmann, M. M.: The deep carbon cycle and melting in
Earth's interior, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 298, 1–13,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2010.06.039, 2010. a
De Franco, R., Govers, R., and Wortel, R.: Nature of the plate contact and
subduction zones diversity, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 271,
245–253, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2008.04.019, 2008. a, b, c, d
Duarte, J., Schellart, W., and Cruden, A.: Three-dimensional dynamic laboratory
models of subduction with an overriding plate and variable interplate
rheology, Geophys. J. Int., 195, 47–66,
https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggt257, 2013. a
Duarte, J. C., Schellart, W. P., and Cruden, A. R.: How weak is the subduction
zone interface?, Geophys. Res. Lett., 42, 2664–2673,
https://doi.org/10.1002/2014GL062876, 2015. a, b
Ducea, M. N. and Chapman, A. D.: Sub-magmatic arc underplating by trench and
forearc materials in shallow subduction systems; A geologic perspective and
implications, Earth-Sci. Rev., 185, 763–779,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2018.08.001, 2018. a
Dutkiewicz, A., Müller, R., O'Callaghan, S., and Jónasson, H.: Census of
seafloor sediments in the world's ocean, Geology, 43, 795–798,
https://doi.org/10.1130/G36883.1, 2015. a, b
Dutkiewicz, A., D.R, M., Cannon, J., Vaughan, S., and Zahirovic, S.:
Sequestration and subduction of deep-sea carbonate in the global ocean since
the Early Cretaceou, Geology, 47, 91–94, https://doi.org/10.1130/G45424.1, 2018. a, b
Enns, A., Becker, T., and Schmeling, H.: The dynamics of subduction and trench
migration for viscosity stratification, Geophys. J. Int.,
160, 761–775, 2005. a
Funiciello, F., Faccenna, C., Heuret, A., Lallemand, S., Di Giuseppe, E., and
Becker, T.: Trench migration, net rotation and slab-mantle coupling, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 271, 233–240,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2008.04.006, 2008. a, b
Garel, F., Goes, S., Davies, D., Davies, J., Kramer, S., and Wilson, C.:
Interaction of subducted slabs with the mantle transition-zone: A regime
diagram from 2-D thermo-mechanical models with a mobile trench and an
overriding plate, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 15, 1739–1765,
https://doi.org/10.1002/2014GC005257, 2014a. a
Garel, F., Goes, S., Davies, D. R., Davies, J. H., Kramer, S. C., and Wilson,
C. R.: Interaction of subducted slabs with the mantle transition-zone: A
regime diagram from 2-D thermo-mechanical models with a mobile trench and an
overriding plate, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 15, 1739–1765,
https://doi.org/10.1002/2014gc005257, 2014b. a
Gerardi, G., Ribe, N. M., and Tackley, P. J.: Plate bending, energetics of
subduction and modeling of mantle convection: A boundary element approach,
Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 515, 47–57,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2019.03.010, 2019. a
Gerya, T. and Yuen, D.: Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities from hydration and
melting propel “cold plumes” at subduction zones, Earth Planet.
Sc. Lett., 212, 47–67, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0012-821X(03)00265-6, 2003. a
Gerya, T. V., Stöckhert, B., and Perchuk, A. L.: Exhumation of high-pressure
metamorphic rocks in a subduction channel: A numerical simulation, Tectonics,
21, 1–19, https://doi.org/10.1029/2002TC001406, 2002. a
Gutscher, M.-A., Kukowski, N., Malavieille, J., and Lallemand, S.: Material
transfer in accretionary wedges from analysis of a systematic series of
analog experiments, J. Struct. Geol., 20, 407–416,
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0191-8141(97)00096-5, 1998. a
Harlow, F. and Welch, J.: Numerical Calculation of Time-Dependent Viscous
Incompressible Flow of Fluid with Free Surface, Phys. Fluids, 8,
1–8, https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1761178, 1965. a
Hawkesworth, C., Turner, S., McDermott, F., Peate, D., and Van Calsteren, P.:
U–Th isotopes in arc magmas: implications for element transfer from the
subducted crust, Science, 276, 551–555, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.276.5312.551,
1997. a
Heuret, A., Funiciello, F., Faccenna, C., and Lallemand, S.: Plate kinematics,
slab shape and back-arc stress: A comparison between laboratory models and
current subduction zones, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 256, 473–483,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2007.02.004, 2007. a, b
Hirth, G. and Kohlstedt, D. L.: Water in the oceanic upper mantle: implications
for rheology, melt extraction and the evolution of the lithosphere, Earth
Planet. Sc. Lett., 144, 93–108,
1996. a
Holt, A., Becker, T., and Buffett, B.: Trench migration and overriding plate
stress in dynamic subduction models, Geophys. J. Int., 201,
172–192, https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggv011, 2015. a
Husson, J. and Peters, S.: Atmospheric oxygenation driven by unsteady growth of
the continental sedimentary reservoir, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett.,
460, 68–75, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2016.12.012, 2017. a
Kasting, J.: Long-term stability of the Earth’s climate, Glob. Planet.
Change, 75, 83–95, https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-0182(89)90185-5, 1989. a
Kaus, B., Mühlhaus, H., and May, D.: A Stabilization Algorithm for
Geodynamic Numerical Simulations with a Free Surface, Phys. Earth
Planet. Int., 181, 12–20, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pepi.2010.04.007, 2010. a, b
Kaus, B., Popov, A., Baumann, T., Pusok, A., Bauville, A., Fernandez, N., and
Collignon, M.: Forward and inverse modeling of lithospheric deformation on
geological timescales, NIC Proceed., 48, 299–307, 2016 (code available at: https://bitbucket.org/bkaus/lamem, last access: 17 September 2022). a, b
Kelemen, P. B. and Manning, C. E.: Reevaluating carbon fluxes in subduction
zones, what goes down, mostly comes up, P. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA, 112, E3997–E4006,
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1507889112, 2015. a
Lallemand, S., Heuret, A., and Boutelier, D.: On the relationships between slab
dip, back-arc stress, upper plate absolute motion, and crustal nature in
subduction zones, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 6, 1–18,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2005GC000917, 2005. a, b, c, d
Lallemand, S. E., Schnürle, P., and Malavieille, J.: Coulomb theory applied
to accretionary and nonaccretionary wedges: Possible causes for tectonic
erosion and/or frontal accretion, J. Geophys. Res., 99, 12033–12055,
https://doi.org/10.1029/94JB00124, 1994. a
Lamb, S. and Davis, P.: Cenozoic climate change as a possible cause for the
rise of the Andes, Nature, 425, 792–797, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature02049, 2003. a, b
Laske, G., Masters., G., Ma, Z., and Pasyanos, M.: Update on CRUST1.0 – A
1-degree Global Model of Earth's Crust, Geophys. Res. Abstr.,
EGU2012-3743-1, EGU General Assembly 2012, Vienna, Austria, 2012. a
Magni, V., van Hunen, J., Funiciello, F., and Faccenna, C.: Numerical models of slab migration in continental collision zones, Solid Earth, 3, 293–306, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-3-293-2012, 2012. a
Melnick, D. and Echtler, H.: Inversion of forearc basins in south-central Chile
caused by rapid glacial age trench fill, Geology, 34, 709–712,
https://doi.org/10.1130/G22440.1, 2006. a
Merdith, A., Atkins, S., and Tetley, M.: Tectonic Controls on Carbon and
Serpentinite Storage in Subducted Upper Oceanic Lithosphere for the Past 320
Ma, Front. Earth Sci., 7, 1–23, https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2019.00332, 2019. a
Moore, J. and Saffer, D.: Updip limit of the seismogenic zone beneath the
accretionary prism of southwest Japan: An effect of diagenetic to low-grade
metamorphic processes and increasing effective stress, Geology, 29, 183–186,
https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(2001)029<0183:ULOTSZ>2.0.CO;2, 2001. a
Moresi, L. and Gurnis, M.: Constraints on the lateral strength of slabs from
three-dimensional dynamic flow models, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett.,
138, 15–28, https://doi.org/10.1016/0012-821X(95)00221-W, 1996. a
Peters, S. and Husson, J.: Sediment cycling on continental and oceanic crust,
Geology, 45, 323–326, https://doi.org/10.1130/G38861.1, 2017. a
Petersen, R., Stegman, D., and Tackley, P.: The subduction dichotomy of strong
plates and weak slabs, Solid Earth, 8, 339–350, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-8-339-2017,
2017. a, b
Plank, T. and Langmuir, C.: The chemical composition of subducting sediment and
its consequences for the crust and mantle, Chem. Geol., 145, 325–394,
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2541(97)00150-2, 1998. a, b, c, d
Plank, T. and Manning, C.: Subducting carbon, Nature, 574, 343–352,
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1643-z, 2019. a, b, c, d
Pusok, A. and Stegman, D.: Formation and stability of same-dip double
subduction systems, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 124, 7387–7412,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JB017027, 2019. a, b, c, d
Pusok, A. and Stegman, D.: The convergence history of India-Eurasia records
multiple subduction dynamics processes, Sci. Adv., 6, 1–8,
https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aaz8681, 2020. a, b
Pusok, A., Kaus, B., and Popov, A.: On the quality of velocity interpolation
schemes for marker-in-cell method and 3-D staggered grids, Pure Appl.
Geophys., 174, 1071–1089, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00024-016-1431-8, 2017. a
Quinteros, J., Sobolev, S., and Popov, A.: Viscosity in transition zone and
lower mantle: Implications for slab penetration, Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, 1–5, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010GL043140, 2010. a
Riel, N., Capitanio, F. A., and Velic, M.: Numerical modeling of stress and
topography coupling during subduction: Inferences on global vs. regional
observables interpretation, Tectonophysics, 746, 239–250,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2017.07.023, 2018. a, b, c, d
Rudolph, M., Lekić, V., and Lithgow-Bertelloni, C.: Viscosity jump in
Earth's mid-mantle, Science, 350, 1349–1352,
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aad1929, 2015. a
Ruh, J.: Effect of fluid pressure distribution on the structural evolution of
accretionary wedges, Terra Nova, 29, 202–210, https://doi.org/10.1111/ter.12263,
2017. a, b, c
Sandiford, D. and Moresi, L.: Improving subduction interface implementation in
dynamic numerical models, Solid Earth, 10, 969–985,
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-10-969-2019, 2019. a, b
Schellart, W., Freeman, J., Stegman, D., Moresi, L., and May, D.: Evolution and
diversity of subduction zones controlled by slab width, Nature, 446,
308–311, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature05615, 2007. a, b
Schmeling, H., Babeyko, A. Y., Enns, A., Faccenna, C., Funiciello,
F., Gerya, T., Golabek, G. J., Grigull, S., Kaus, B. J. P., Morra,
G., Schmalholz, S. M., and van Hunen, J.: A benchmark comparison of
spontaneous subduction models: Towards a free surface, Phys. Earth
Planet. Int., 171, 198–223, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pepi.2008.06.028,
2008. a
Selzer, C., Buiter, S. J. H., and Pfiffner, O. A.: Numerical modeling of
frontal and basal accretion at collisional margins, Tectonics, 27, 1–26,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2007TC002169, 2008. a
Shreve, R. and Cloos, M.: Dynamics of sediment subduction, melange formation,
and prism accretion, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 91, 10229–10245,
https://doi.org/10.1029/JB091iB10p10229, 1986. a, b
Silver, E., Ellis, M., Breen, N., and Shipley, T.: Comments on the growth of
accretionary wedges, Geology, 13, 6–9,
https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1985)13<6:COTGOA>2.0.CO;2, 1985. a
Simpson, G.: Formation of accretionary prisms influenced by sediment subduction
and supplied by sediments from adjacent continents, Geology, 38, 131–134,
https://doi.org/10.1130/G30461.1, 2010. a
Sobolev, S. and Brown, M.: Surface erosion events controlled the evolution of
plate tectonics on Earth, Nature, 570, 52–57,
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1258-4, 2019. a
Straub, S., Gómez-Tuena, A., and Vannucchi, P.: Subduction erosion and arc
volcanism, Nat. Rev. Earth Environ., 1, 574–589,
https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-020-0095-1, 2020. a, b, c
Straume, E. O., Gaina, C., Medvedev, S., Hochmuth, K., Gohl, K., Whittaker,
J. M., Fattah, R. A., Doornenbal, J. C., and Hopper, J. R.: GlobSed: Updated
total sediment thickness in the world's oceans, Geochem. Geophy.
Geosy., 20, 1756–1772, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GC008115, 2019. a
Syracuse, E., van Keken, P., and Abers, G.: The global range of subduction zone
thermal models, Phys. Earth Planet. Int., 183, 73–90, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pepi.2010.02.004, 2010. a
Tackley, P.: Self-consistent generation of tectonic plates in time-dependent,
three-dimensional mantle convection simulations, Geochem. Geophys. Geos., 1,
1–45, https://doi.org/10.1029/2000GC000036, 2000. a
Tian, M., Katz, R. F., Rees Jones, D. W., and May, D. A.: Devolatilization of
Subducting Slabs, Part II: Volatile Fluxes and Storage, Geochem.
Geophy. Geosy., 20, 6199–6222, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019GC008489, 2019. a
Turcotte, D. and Schubert, G.: Geodynamics, Cambridge University Press, 3rd
Edn., ISBN 9780521186230, 2014. a
Val, P. and Willenbring, J.: Across-strike asymmetry of the Andes orogen linked
to the age and geometry of the Nazca plate, Earth ArXiv, (preprint),
https://doi.org/10.31223/osf.io/awug4, 2020. a
van Keken, P. E., Hacker, B. R., Syracuse, E. M., and Abers, G. A.: Subduction
factory: 4. Depth-dependent flux of H2O from subducting slabs worldwide, J.
Geophys. Res., 116, 1–15, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010JB007922, 2011. a
van Rijsingen, E., Lallemand, S., Peyret, M., Arcay, D., Heuret, A.,
Funiciello, F., and Corbi, F.: How subduction interface roughness influences
the occurrence of large interplate earthquakes, Geochem. Geophy.
Geosy., 19, 2342–2370, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GC007618, 2018.
a, b
Vannucchi, P., Remitti, F., and Bettelli, G.: Geological record of fluid flow
and seismogenesis along an erosive subducting plate boundary, Nature, 451,
699–703, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature06486, 2008. a
von Huene, R. and Scholl, D.: Observations at convergent margins concerning
sediment subduction, subduction erosion, and the growth of continental crust,
Rev. Geophys., 29, 279–316, https://doi.org/10.1029/91RG00969,
1991a. a, b, c
von Huene, R. and Scholl, D. W.: Observations at convergent margins concerning
sediment subduction, subduction erosion, and the growth of continental crust,
Rev. Geophys., 29, 279–316, https://doi.org/10.1029/91RG00969, 1991b. a
von Huene, R., C.R., R., and Vannucchi, P.: Generic model of subduction
erosion, Geology, 32, 913–916, https://doi.org/10.1130/G20563.1, 2004. a, b
Weiss, J. R., Ito, G., Brooks, B. A., Olive, J.-A., Moore, G. F., and Foster,
J. H.: Formation of the frontal thrust zone of accretionary wedges, Earth
Planet. Sc. Lett., 495, 87–100, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2018.05.010,
2018. a
Zhong, S. and Davies, G.: Effects of plate and slab viscosities on the geoid,
Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 170, 487–496,
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0012-821X(99)00124-7, 1999. a
Short summary
Sediments play an important role in global volatile and tectonic cycles, yet their effect on subduction dynamics is poorly resolved. In this study, we investigate how sediment properties influence subduction dynamics and obtain accretionary or erosive-style margins. Results show that even a thin layer of sediments can exert a profound influence on the emergent regional-scale subduction dynamics.
Sediments play an important role in global volatile and tectonic cycles, yet their effect on...
