The dependence of the subduction regime on three-dimensional slab geometry poses a challenge for accurately estimating the evolving thermal structure of megathrusts globally. Although slab dips and ages have gained at...The dependence of the subduction regime on three-dimensional slab geometry poses a challenge for accurately estimating the evolving thermal structure of megathrusts globally. Although slab dips and ages have gained attention, the specific impacts of oblique subduction remain unmeasured. Here, we present an integrated thermal model that quantifies how slab morphology can shape the thermal state of megathrusts, such as those in the Makran Subduction Zone. The model considers both slab obliquity and depth variations along the trench. We find a considerable match between the slab petrological dehydration zone and the distribution of great crustal earthquakes. We suggest that the accumulation of fluids along megathrusts by slab metamorphism can foster more polarized conditions for decreasing plate coupling and increasing interplate ruptures. It is thus imperative to improve model representation and more realistically represent how drivers of slab geometry affect metamorphic transitions and the occurrence of earthquakes at megathrusts.展开更多
Jadeitites are formed either through direct precipitation from Na-Al-Si rich fluids(P-type),or by replacement of magmatic protoliths(R-type)in subduction zones.They are valuable targets for investigating the mobility ...Jadeitites are formed either through direct precipitation from Na-Al-Si rich fluids(P-type),or by replacement of magmatic protoliths(R-type)in subduction zones.They are valuable targets for investigating the mobility behavior and chemical composition of subduction zone fluids.The Rio San Juan Complex(RSJC)in the northern Dominican Republic hosts both P-and R-type jadeitites and jadeite-rich rocks,which provide ideal samples for addressing such issues.Here,we present trace element and Sr-Nd-O-Si isotope compositions of RSJC jadeitites and related rocks.Most samples show similar REE patterns,trace element distributions and δ^(18)O values to those of plagiogranite protoliths,indicating the predominance of R-type origin in RSJC.The P-type samples exhibit slightly higherδ^(30)Si values(−0.15‰to 0.25‰)than that of R-type samples(−0.20‰to 0.08‰),which place above the igneous array.The low(^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr)_(i)(0.70346 to 0.70505)and highεNd(t)values(4.6 to 6.8)of the P-type jadeitites and quartzites,along with relatively lowδ^(18)O values(4.7‰to 6.4‰)of their forming fluids,indicate that the fluids are likely derived from the altered basaltic crust rather than from oceanic sediment.However,the estimated jadeitite-and quartzite-forming fluids exhibit distinctδ^(30)Si values(0.76‰to 0.99‰and-0.48‰to-0.08‰,respectively),implying an evolution of the fluids that modified the Si isotopic compositions.Since fluid metasomatism and related desilication process could have lowered the whole-rock δ^(30)Si values,the heavy Si isotope compositions of the R-type samples are produced from the external fluids.Combing Rayleigh distillation and binary mixing simulations,we propose that fluids derived from altered oceanic crust obtained high δ^(30)Si values after crystallization of minerals enriched in light Si isotopes.The P-type jadeitites are formed through direct precipitation from this fluid.As the plagiogranite protoliths were continuously replaced by this fluid,the formed R-type samples(jadeitites and quartzites)also exhibit high δ^(30)Si values.Such rocks could significantly alter the Si isotope compositions of local mantle when they are deeply subducted at convergent plate margins.展开更多
Situated in the southwestern Pacific,the Tonga-Kermadec subduction zone is separated into two parts by the Louisvlle Ridge Seamount Chain(LRSC),i.e.,the Tanga subduction zone and the Kermadec subduction zone.Known for...Situated in the southwestern Pacific,the Tonga-Kermadec subduction zone is separated into two parts by the Louisvlle Ridge Seamount Chain(LRSC),i.e.,the Tanga subduction zone and the Kermadec subduction zone.Known for its vigorous volcanic activity,frequent large earthquakes,rapid plate subduction,and distinctive subducting plate morphology,this subduction zone provides valuable insights into its structures,dynamics,and associated geohazards.This study compiles geological and geophysical datasets in this region,including seismicity,focal mechanisms,seismic reflection and refraction profiles,and seismic tomography,to understand the relationship between lithospheric structures of the subduction system and associated seismicity-volcanic activities.Our analysis suggests that variations in overlying sediment thickness,subduction rate,and subduction angle significantly influence the lithospheric deformation processes within the Tonga-Kermadec subduction system.Furthermore,these factors contribute to the notable differences in seismicity and volcanism observed between the Tonga subduction zone and the Kermadec subduction zone.This study enhances our understanding of plate tectonics by providing insights into the interplay between subduction dynamics and lithospheric deformation,which are crucial for analyzing geological and geophysical behaviors in similar subduction environments.展开更多
This paper presents some results of stress field reconstruction in the Nankai Trough subduction zone located within the area bounded by 136.3°–137°E and 33°–33.5°N where 12 scientific wells were ...This paper presents some results of stress field reconstruction in the Nankai Trough subduction zone located within the area bounded by 136.3°–137°E and 33°–33.5°N where 12 scientific wells were drilled during Nankai Trough Seismogenic Zone Experiment expeditions of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program and International Ocean Discovery Program.We use the logging data to derive orientations of the maximum principal stress axis at different depths followed by the reconstruction of stress orientations in each individual well.From these data,we further derive average stress orientations along the wells and use these data to reconstruct the stress trajectory field taking into account the presence of Megasplay fault.The results are shown as the stress trajectories of the maximum principal horizontal stresses.They are generally consistent with data the World Stress Map Project data.展开更多
Subduction zones,linking the surface and deep carbon reservoirs,significantly affect the Earth’s long-term climate change and habitability.The subducting slabs undergo decarbonation with increasing pressure and tempe...Subduction zones,linking the surface and deep carbon reservoirs,significantly affect the Earth’s long-term climate change and habitability.The subducting slabs undergo decarbonation with increasing pressure and temperature,during which partial carbon mobilizes out of the slab and returns to the surface by arc volcanism or degassing,while the residual carbon continues to descend to greater depths in the mantle.The estimated carbon influx at subduction zones depends strongly on the calculation model,with contributions from sediments ranging from 15 to 60 Mt C/yr,altered ocean basalts from 18 to 61 Mt C/yr,and serpentinized perdotites from 1.3 to 36 Mt C/yr.The carbon influx varies in space and time.Carbon removal from subducting slab occurs through metamorphic reactions,carbonate dissolution,diapirism,hydrocarbon formation and melting.Among these decarbonation mechanisms,diapirism and slab meting play a decisive role in dictating the depth at which surface carbonates can subduct.Specifically,diapirism may restrict sedimentary carbonates at shallow depths(<200 km),while slab melting exhausts all carbonates from the altered ocean crust near transition zones(410–660 km).Consequently,a mechanism enabling surface carbonates to reach the lower mantle,i.e.,ultra-deep carbon cycle,is required to be in accordance with observations by natural samples.展开更多
Over 90%of Earth’s carbon is stored in the mantle and core.The deep carbon cycle plays a critical role in regulating surface carbon fluxes,global climate,and the habitability of Earth.Carbon mainly residing within th...Over 90%of Earth’s carbon is stored in the mantle and core.The deep carbon cycle plays a critical role in regulating surface carbon fluxes,global climate,and the habitability of Earth.Carbon mainly residing within the sediments,altered oceanic crust,and mantle peridotite as carbonate minerals and organic carbon is transported to the deep Earth via plate subduction.A series of reactions(e.g.,metamorphism,dissolution,and melting)occurring in the subducting slab drive the carbon removal.Some of the car-bon is recycled to the surface via arc volcanism,while the rest is carried into the deeper Earth.More than two-thirds of the global subduction carbon input comes from sedimen-tary carbon,whose fate during subduction directly affects the flux in the global carbon cycle.Over the past two dec-ades,the sedimentary carbon cycle in subduction zones has been extensively studied by experiments and computational approaches.Here,we provide a comprehensive review of the sources,species,decarbonation reactions,carbon cycle trac-ing,and fluxes of sedimentary carbon in subduction zones,and the role of sedimentary carbon subduction in climate evolution and mantle chemistry.Further research is required for our understanding of deep carbon cycle processes and their role in Earth’s climate.展开更多
The structures of the mantle transition zone(MTZ)are of great significance for studying interactions of the subducted slab and deep mantle and related slab dynamics beneath subduction zones.Here by dense near-source S...The structures of the mantle transition zone(MTZ)are of great significance for studying interactions of the subducted slab and deep mantle and related slab dynamics beneath subduction zones.Here by dense near-source SdP sampling from a large global dataset,we image topographies of transition zone discontinuities such as the 410-km and 660-km discontinuities(410 and 660)beneath the Kamchatka and conduct cross-section comparisons with the seismicity.Compared with the IASP91 model,the 410 exhibits apparent uplifts of 45-65 km with an average of 55 km in a horizontal width of~130 km,corresponding to lowtemperature anomalies of 750-1083 K with an average of 916 K.In contrast,the 660 shows depressions of 15-37 km with an average of 25 km together with downward deflections in a width of~260 km,implying low-temperature anomalies of 161-397 K with an average of 268 K.Thus,we confirm a thickened MTZ with a thickness of 325-345 km around the cold descending Pacific slab.We suggest that topographic patterns of transition zone discontinuities imply a Pacific slab that has been significantly heated in the MTZ with broadened thermal effects on the 660.When considered along with other studies,we infer that the slab is possibly heated by hot mantle flows around the torn slab window extended to at least the MTZ range,thus inducing variations in thermal and rheological properties of the slab.Our seismic results can provide more insight into slab dynamics in the northwestern Pacific.展开更多
Subduction zones are critical interfaces for lithospheric volatile fluxes,where complex tectonic and geochemical interactions facilitate the release of gases and fluids from deep-seated reservoirs within the Earth’s ...Subduction zones are critical interfaces for lithospheric volatile fluxes,where complex tectonic and geochemical interactions facilitate the release of gases and fluids from deep-seated reservoirs within the Earth’s crust.Mud volcanism,as a dynamic manifestation of these processes,contributes CH_(4)emissions that influence the global methane budget and impact marine ecosystems.Although∼2000 CH_(4)-rich mud extrusions have been documented in subduction zones globally,the geological origins and subduction-related geochemical and tectonic mechanisms driving these emissions remain poorly understood.This research examines the Makran subduction zone which hosts one of the world’s largest accretionary wedge and extensive CH_(4)-rich mud extrusions,as a model system.Integrated geochemical,geophysical,and geological observations reveal that thermogenic CH_(4)and clay-rich fluidized muds originate from deeply buried Himalayan turbidites(underthrusted sediments),driven by organic-rich sediment maturation and high fluid overpressure.Key tectonic features,including thrust faults,overburden pressure of wedge-top sediments,normal faults,brittle fractures,and seismicity,facilitate CH_(4)-rich mud extrusions into the hydrosphere and atmosphere.The extruded gases are predominantly CH_(4),with minor C_(2)H_(6),C_(3)H_(8),i-C_(4)H_(10),and n-C_(4)H_(10)while the mud breccia exhibits a chemical composition dominated by SiO_(2),Al_(2)O_(3),and Fe_(2)O_(3),enriched with trace elements(Rb,Zr,and V)and clay minerals,quartz,and carbonates.Geochemical indicators suggest intense chemical weathering and mature sediments classifying the mud breccia as litharenite and sub-litharenite,indicative of deep burial and compaction.These findings model the evolution of CH_(4)-rich mud extrusions through three geological stages:(i)Eocene to Early Miocene pre-thermogenic formation of the CH_(4)-rich source,(ii)Middle Miocene to Pliocene syn-thermogenic CH_(4)and fluidized mud generation,and(iii)Pleistocene to Recent post-thermogenic CH_(4)-rich fluidized mud migration.These findings underscore the critical yet often overlooked role of subduction-related geochemical and tectonic processes in CH_(4)generation and emission,with significant implications for the global CH_(4)budget and marine ecosystems.展开更多
The thermal structure of the continental subduction zone can be deduced from high-pressure and ultra-high-pressure rock samples or numerical simulation.However,petrological data indicate that the temperature of subduc...The thermal structure of the continental subduction zone can be deduced from high-pressure and ultra-high-pressure rock samples or numerical simulation.However,petrological data indicate that the temperature of subducted continental plates is generally higher than that derived from numerical simulation.In this paper,a two-dimensional kinematic model is used to study the thermal structure of continental subduction zones,with or without a preceding oceanic slab.The results show that the removal of the preceding oceanic slab can effectively increase the slab surface temperature of the continental subduction zone in the early stage of subduction.This can sufficiently explain the difference between the cold thermal structure obtained from previous modeling results and the hot thermal structure obtained from rock sample data.展开更多
The uvarovite-andradite and uvarovite-andradite-grossular solid-solution series are rare in nature.The discovery of uvarovite-andradite in serpentinite and rodingite from the ultra-high pressure(UHP)metamorphic belt i...The uvarovite-andradite and uvarovite-andradite-grossular solid-solution series are rare in nature.The discovery of uvarovite-andradite in serpentinite and rodingite from the ultra-high pressure(UHP)metamorphic belt in southwestern Tianshan provided an opportunity to investigate its behavior in the subduction zone.Uvarovite(defined as chromiumgarnet)from serpentinite is homogeneous in a single grain,covering compositions in the uvarovite-andradite solid solution series of Adr_(58-66)Uv_(33-41),with few grossular components.Uvarovite from rodingites contain various Cr_(2)O_(3) contents(1.7-17.9 wt%)and mineral compositions being in the range of Adr_(21-31)Uv_(41-50)Grs_(22-37),Adr_(52-90)Uv_(5-25)Grs_(0-21) and Adr_(19-67)Uv_(3-63)Grs_(13-42).Discontinuous chemical variation of uvarovite from core to rim indicates that uvarovite formed by consuming andradite and chromite,which could provide Ca,Cr,Al and Fe.Raman signals of water were identified for uvarovite from both serpentinite and rodingite,with high water content in uvarovite from serpentinite.The high pressure mineral assemblage,as well as the association with perovskite,indicated that the studied uvarovite from serpentinite and rodingite was formed through high pressure metamorphism,during the subduction zone serpentinization and rodingitization.High alkaline and highly reduced fluids released from serpentinization or rodingitization in the oceanic subduction zone promote the mobility of chromium and enable its long-distance migration.展开更多
This paper presents preliminary results of three-dimensional thermomechanical finite-element models of a parameter study to compute the current temperature and stress distribution in the subduction zone of the central...This paper presents preliminary results of three-dimensional thermomechanical finite-element models of a parameter study to compute the current temperature and stress distribution in the subduction zone of the central Andes （16°S-26°S） up to a depth of 400 km, the bottom of the asthenosphere. For this purpose a simulation running over c. 50,000 years will be realized based on the geometry of a generic subduction zone and an elasto-viscoplastic Drucker-Prager rheology. The kinematic and thermal boundary conditions as well as the rheological parameters represent the current state of the study area. In future works the model will be refined using a systematic study of physical parameters in order to estimate the influence of the main parameters （e.g. viscosity, fault friction, velocity, shear heating） on the results of the reference model presented here. The reference model is kept as simple as possible to be able to estimate the influence of the parameters in future studies in the best possible way, whilst minimizing comnutational time.展开更多
The transitional pressure of quartz coesite under the differential stress and highly strained conditions is far from the pressure of the stable field under the static pressure. Therefore, the effect of the different...The transitional pressure of quartz coesite under the differential stress and highly strained conditions is far from the pressure of the stable field under the static pressure. Therefore, the effect of the differential stress should be considered when the depth of petrogenesis is estimated about ultrahigh pressure metamorphic (UHPM) rocks. The rheological strength of typical ultrahigh pressure rocks in continental subduction zone was derived from the results of the laboratory experiments. The results indicate the following three points. (1) The rheological strength of gabbro, similar to that of eclogite, is smaller than that of clinopyroxenite on the same condition. (2) The calculated strength of rocks (gabbro, eclogite and clinopyroxenite) related to UHPM decreases by nearly one order of magnitude with the temperature rising by 100 ℃ in the range between 600 and 900 ℃. The calculated strength is far greater than the faulting strength of rocks at 600 ℃, and is in several hundred to more than one thousand mega pascals at 700-800 ℃, which suggests that those rocks are located in the brittle deformation region at 600 ℃, but are in the semi brittle to plastic deformation region at 700-800 ℃. Obviously, the 700 ℃ is a brittle plastic transition boundary. (3) The calculated rheological strength in the localized deformation zone on a higher strain rate condition (1.6×10 -12 s -l ) is 2-5 times more than that in the distributed deformation zone on a lower strain rate condition (1.6×10 -14 s -1 ). The average rheological stress (1 600 MPa) at the strain rate of 10 -12 s -1 stands for the ultimate differential stress of UHPM rocks in the semi brittle flow field, and the average rheological stress (550-950 MPa) at the strain rate of l0 -14 - 10 -13 s -l stands for the ultimate differential stress of UHPM rocks in the plastic flow field, suggesting that the depth for the formation of UHPM rocks is more than 20-60 km below the depth estimated under static pressure condition due to the effect of the differential stress.展开更多
We examined the spatial variation of velocity structures around the 660-kin discontinuity at the western Pacific subduction zones by waveform modeling of triplication data. Data from two deep earthquakes beneath Izu-B...We examined the spatial variation of velocity structures around the 660-kin discontinuity at the western Pacific subduction zones by waveform modeling of triplication data. Data from two deep earthquakes beneath Izu-Bonin and Northeast China are used. Both events were well recorded by a dense broadband seismic network in China （CEArray）. The two events are located at approximately the same distance to the CEArray, yet significant differences are observed in their records： （1） the direct arrivals traveling above the 660-km discontinuity （AB branch） are seen in a different distance extent： -29° for the NE China event, -23° for Izu-Bonin event; （2） the direct （AB） and the refracted waves at the 660-km （CD branch） cross over at 19.5° and 17° for the NE China and the Izu-Bonin event, respectively. The best fitting model for the NE China event has a broad 660-km discontinuity and a constant high velocity layer upon it; while the Izu-Bonin model differs from the standard IASP91 model only with a high velocity layer above the 660-km discontinuity. Variations in velocity models can be roughly explained by subduction geometry.展开更多
A systematic account of micro-textures and a few compositional profiles of plagioclase from high-alumina basaltic aa lava erupted during the year 1994-1995, from Barren Island Volcano, NE India ocean, are presented fo...A systematic account of micro-textures and a few compositional profiles of plagioclase from high-alumina basaltic aa lava erupted during the year 1994-1995, from Barren Island Volcano, NE India ocean, are presented for the first time. The identified micro-textures can be grouped into two categories： （i） Growth related textures in the form of coarse/fine-sieve morphology, fine-scale oscillatory zoning and resorption surfaces resulted when the equilibrium at the crystal-melt interface was fluctuated due to change in temperature or H20 or pressure or composition of the crystallizing melt; and （ii） morphological texture, like glomerocryst, synneusis, swallow-tailed crystal, microlite and broken crystals, formed by the influence of dynamic behavior of the crystallizing magma （convection, turbulence, degassing, etc.）. Each micro-texture has developed in a specific magmatic environment, accordingly, a first order magma plumbing model and crystallization dynamics are envisaged for the studied lava unit. Magma generated has undergone extensive fractional crystallization of An-rich plagioclase in stable magmatic environment at a deeper depth. Subsequently they ascend to a shallow chamber where the newly brought crystals and pre-existing crystals have undergone dynamic crystallization via dissolution-regrowth processes in a convective self- mixing environment. Such repeated recharge-recycling processes have produced various populations of plagioclase with different micro-textural stratigraphy in the studied lava unit. Intermittent degassing and eruption related decompression have also played a major role in the final stage of crystallization dynamics.展开更多
Subduction zones involve many complex geological processes,including the release of slabderived fluids,fluid/rock interactions,partial melting,isotopic fractionations,elemental transporting,and crust/mantle interactio...Subduction zones involve many complex geological processes,including the release of slabderived fluids,fluid/rock interactions,partial melting,isotopic fractionations,elemental transporting,and crust/mantle interactions.Lithium(Li)isotopes(~6Li and~7Li)have relative mass difference up to 16%,being the largest among metal elements.Thus,Li isotopes have advantage to interprete trace various geological processes.Most importantly,during crust/mantle interactions in deep subduction zones,surface materials and mantle rocks usually have distinct Li isotopic compositions.Li isotopes can be potential tracer for subduction processes,from the onset of subduction to the release of Li from subducted slabs and interaction with mantle wedge,as well as the fate of Li in slab-derived fluids and residual slabs.Moreover,the Li isotopic composition of subducting output materials can provide useful information for understanding global Li circulation.With developments in measurement and expansion of Li isotopic database,Li isotopic geochemistry will provide more inference and be a powerful tracer for understanding subduction-related processes.This work retrospected the application of Li isotopes in tracing successive subduction processes,and made some prospects for further studies of Li isotopes.展开更多
Following a quasi-dynamic scheme proposed by Minear and Toksoz (1970), thermal structures of subduction zonesfor different models by finite element method (FEM) were calculated. Density distribution and p-wave anomaly...Following a quasi-dynamic scheme proposed by Minear and Toksoz (1970), thermal structures of subduction zonesfor different models by finite element method (FEM) were calculated. Density distribution and p-wave anomaly ofsubduction zones were calculated at the same time. Comparing with seismological evidences and results of laboratories. it is proposed that earthquakes occurred below 400 km depth are probably controlled by anti-crackmechanism.展开更多
The Izu-Bonin subduction zone in the Northwest Pacific is an ideal location for understanding mantle dynamics such as cold lithosphere subduction. The slab produces a lateral thermal anomaly, inducing local topographi...The Izu-Bonin subduction zone in the Northwest Pacific is an ideal location for understanding mantle dynamics such as cold lithosphere subduction. The slab produces a lateral thermal anomaly, inducing local topographic changes at the boundary of a post-spinel phase transformation, considered to be the origin of the ‘660-km discontinuity.’ In this study, the short-period(1–2 Hz) S-to-P conversion phase S660P was used to obtain the fine-scale structure of the discontinuity. More than 100 earthquakes that occurred from the 1980s to the 2020s and were recorded by high-quality seismic arrays in the United States and Europe were analyzed. A discontinuity in the ambient mantle with an average depth of ~670 km was found beneath the 300–400-km event zone in the northern Bonin region near 33°N. Meanwhile, the ‘660-km discontinuity’ has been pushed upward, away from the slab, possibly because of a hot upwelling mantle plume. In the central part of the subduction zone, the 660-km discontinuity is depressed to an average depth of(690 ± 5) km within the slab at approximately 150 km below the coldest slab core, indicating a(300 ± 100) ℃ cold anomaly estimated using a post-spinel transformation Clapeyron slope of(-2.0 ± 1.0) MPa/K. In southern Bonin near 28°N, the discontinuity was found to be further depressed at an average depth of(695 ± 5) km below the deepest event and with a focal depth of ~550 km. The discontinuity is located where the slab bends abruptly to become sub-horizontal toward the west-southwest. Near the zone of the isolated Bonin Super Deep Earthquake, which occurred at ~680 km on May 30,2015, the discontinuity is depressed to ~700 km, suggesting a near-vertical penetrating slab and an S-to-P conversion in the coldest slab core, where a large low-temperature anomaly should exist.展开更多
Seafloor irregularities influence rupture behavior along the subducting slab and in the overriding plate,thus affecting earthquake cycles.Whether seafloor irregularities increase the likelihood of large earthquakes in...Seafloor irregularities influence rupture behavior along the subducting slab and in the overriding plate,thus affecting earthquake cycles.Whether seafloor irregularities increase the likelihood of large earthquakes in a subduction zone remains contested,partially due to focus put either on fault development or on rupture pattern.Here,we simulate a subducting slab with a seafloor irregularity and the resulting deformation pattern of the overriding plate using the discrete element method.Our simulations illustrate the rupture along three major fault systems:megathrust,splay and backthrust faults.Our results show different rupture dimensions of earthquake events varying from tens to ca.140 km.Our results suggest that the recurrence interval of megathrust events with rupture length of ca.100 km is ca.140 years,which is overall comparable to the paleoseismic records at the Mentawai area of the Sumatran zone.We further propose the coseismic slip amounts decrease and interseismic slip amounts increase from the surface downwards gradually.We conclude that the presence of seafloor irregularities significantly affects rupture events along the slab as well as fault patterns in the overriding plate.展开更多
The Nankai Trough subduction zone is a typical subduction system characterized by subduction of multiple geological units of the Philippine Sea Plate(the Kyushu-Palau Ridge,the Shikoku Basin,the Kinan Seamount Chain,a...The Nankai Trough subduction zone is a typical subduction system characterized by subduction of multiple geological units of the Philippine Sea Plate(the Kyushu-Palau Ridge,the Shikoku Basin,the Kinan Seamount Chain,and the Izu-Bonin Arc)beneath the Eurasian Plate in the southwest of Japan.This study presents a geophysical and geochemical analysis of the Nankai Trough subduction zone in order to determine the features and subduction effects of each geological unit.The results show that the Nankai Trough is characterized by lowgravity anomalies(–20 mGal to–40 mGal)and high heat flow(60–200 mW/m2)in the middle part and low heat flow(20–80 mW/m2)in the western and eastern parts.The crust of the subducting plate is 5–20 km thick.The mantle composition of the subducting plate is progressively depleted from west to east.Subduction of aseismic ridges(e.g.,the Kyushu-Palau Ridge,the Kinan Seamount Chain,and the Zenisu Ridge)is a common process that leads to a series of subduction effects at the Nankai Trough.Firstly,aseismic ridge or seamount chain subduction may deform the overriding plate,resulting in irregular concave topography along the front edge of the accretionary wedge.Secondly,it may have served as a seismic barrier inhibiting rupture propagation in the 1944 Mw 8.1 and 1946 Mw 8.3 earthquakes.In addition,subduction of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge and hot and young Shikoku Basin lithosphere may induce slab melting,resulting in adakitic magmatism and the provision of ore-forming metals for the formation of porphyry copper and gold deposits in the overriding Japan Arc.Based on comparisons of their geophysical and geochemical characteristics,we suggest that,although the Izu-Bonin Arc has already collided with the Japan Arc,the Kyushu-Palau Ridge,which represents a remnant arc of the Izu-Bonin Arc,is still at the subduction stage characterized by a single-vergence system and a topographic boundary with the Japan Arc.展开更多
To understand the rheology,structure,and tectonics of the lithosphere in the Mariana subduction zone and surrounding regions,we calculated the effective elastic thickness of the lithosphere(Te)in these areas using the...To understand the rheology,structure,and tectonics of the lithosphere in the Mariana subduction zone and surrounding regions,we calculated the effective elastic thickness of the lithosphere(Te)in these areas using the improved moving window admittance technique(MWAT)method.We find that smaller data grid spacing can better reflect Te variations in the subduction zone.The Te of the study region ranges from 0 to 47 km.The Te is reduced from 40 km on the seaward side of the outer-rise region to 1-2 km along the trench axis.The lithospheric breaking distance from the trench axis ranges from 0 to 250 km.We suggest that the intermediate Te values in seamounts and high Te values on the seaward side of the outer-rise region respectively reflect the‘fossil’rheological state and current lithospheric strength of the Pacific plate.The faulting induced by the downward bending of subducting plate not only ruptures the lithosphere but also contributes to the mantle serpentinization,significantly reducing the lithospheric strength.The largest breaking distance of the Ogasawara Plateau may be due to the increase in the mass load of the subducting plate in the Ogasawara Plateau and the significant horizontal bending force in the plate caused by the resistance of seamounts to subduction.Furthermore,a good positive correlation exists between the breaking distance and subduction dip angle along the trench axis.We suggest that the subducting plate with a larger breaking distance is likely to form a larger subduction angle.展开更多
基金benefited from the financial support of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Pioneer Hundred Talents Programthe Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program (Grant No. 2019QZKK0708)+2 种基金the MEXT KAKENHI grant (Grant No. 21H05203)the Kobe University Strategic International Collaborative Research Grant (Type B Fostering Joint Research)the “Science of Slowto-Fast Earthquakes” project。
文摘The dependence of the subduction regime on three-dimensional slab geometry poses a challenge for accurately estimating the evolving thermal structure of megathrusts globally. Although slab dips and ages have gained attention, the specific impacts of oblique subduction remain unmeasured. Here, we present an integrated thermal model that quantifies how slab morphology can shape the thermal state of megathrusts, such as those in the Makran Subduction Zone. The model considers both slab obliquity and depth variations along the trench. We find a considerable match between the slab petrological dehydration zone and the distribution of great crustal earthquakes. We suggest that the accumulation of fluids along megathrusts by slab metamorphism can foster more polarized conditions for decreasing plate coupling and increasing interplate ruptures. It is thus imperative to improve model representation and more realistically represent how drivers of slab geometry affect metamorphic transitions and the occurrence of earthquakes at megathrusts.
基金supported by funds from the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2024YFF0807302)National Natural Science Foundation of China(42273043,42173003)the International Visiting Professorship of USTC(2024BVR23).
文摘Jadeitites are formed either through direct precipitation from Na-Al-Si rich fluids(P-type),or by replacement of magmatic protoliths(R-type)in subduction zones.They are valuable targets for investigating the mobility behavior and chemical composition of subduction zone fluids.The Rio San Juan Complex(RSJC)in the northern Dominican Republic hosts both P-and R-type jadeitites and jadeite-rich rocks,which provide ideal samples for addressing such issues.Here,we present trace element and Sr-Nd-O-Si isotope compositions of RSJC jadeitites and related rocks.Most samples show similar REE patterns,trace element distributions and δ^(18)O values to those of plagiogranite protoliths,indicating the predominance of R-type origin in RSJC.The P-type samples exhibit slightly higherδ^(30)Si values(−0.15‰to 0.25‰)than that of R-type samples(−0.20‰to 0.08‰),which place above the igneous array.The low(^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr)_(i)(0.70346 to 0.70505)and highεNd(t)values(4.6 to 6.8)of the P-type jadeitites and quartzites,along with relatively lowδ^(18)O values(4.7‰to 6.4‰)of their forming fluids,indicate that the fluids are likely derived from the altered basaltic crust rather than from oceanic sediment.However,the estimated jadeitite-and quartzite-forming fluids exhibit distinctδ^(30)Si values(0.76‰to 0.99‰and-0.48‰to-0.08‰,respectively),implying an evolution of the fluids that modified the Si isotopic compositions.Since fluid metasomatism and related desilication process could have lowered the whole-rock δ^(30)Si values,the heavy Si isotope compositions of the R-type samples are produced from the external fluids.Combing Rayleigh distillation and binary mixing simulations,we propose that fluids derived from altered oceanic crust obtained high δ^(30)Si values after crystallization of minerals enriched in light Si isotopes.The P-type jadeitites are formed through direct precipitation from this fluid.As the plagiogranite protoliths were continuously replaced by this fluid,the formed R-type samples(jadeitites and quartzites)also exhibit high δ^(30)Si values.Such rocks could significantly alter the Si isotope compositions of local mantle when they are deeply subducted at convergent plate margins.
基金supported by Special Projects in Universities’Key Fields of Guangdong Province(No.2023ZDZX3017)the 2022 Tertiary Education Scientific Research Project of Guangzhou Municipal Education Bureau(No.202234607)+1 种基金the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(No.2025A1515012983)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52371059 and 52101358).
文摘Situated in the southwestern Pacific,the Tonga-Kermadec subduction zone is separated into two parts by the Louisvlle Ridge Seamount Chain(LRSC),i.e.,the Tanga subduction zone and the Kermadec subduction zone.Known for its vigorous volcanic activity,frequent large earthquakes,rapid plate subduction,and distinctive subducting plate morphology,this subduction zone provides valuable insights into its structures,dynamics,and associated geohazards.This study compiles geological and geophysical datasets in this region,including seismicity,focal mechanisms,seismic reflection and refraction profiles,and seismic tomography,to understand the relationship between lithospheric structures of the subduction system and associated seismicity-volcanic activities.Our analysis suggests that variations in overlying sediment thickness,subduction rate,and subduction angle significantly influence the lithospheric deformation processes within the Tonga-Kermadec subduction system.Furthermore,these factors contribute to the notable differences in seismicity and volcanism observed between the Tonga subduction zone and the Kermadec subduction zone.This study enhances our understanding of plate tectonics by providing insights into the interplay between subduction dynamics and lithospheric deformation,which are crucial for analyzing geological and geophysical behaviors in similar subduction environments.
文摘This paper presents some results of stress field reconstruction in the Nankai Trough subduction zone located within the area bounded by 136.3°–137°E and 33°–33.5°N where 12 scientific wells were drilled during Nankai Trough Seismogenic Zone Experiment expeditions of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program and International Ocean Discovery Program.We use the logging data to derive orientations of the maximum principal stress axis at different depths followed by the reconstruction of stress orientations in each individual well.From these data,we further derive average stress orientations along the wells and use these data to reconstruct the stress trajectory field taking into account the presence of Megasplay fault.The results are shown as the stress trajectories of the maximum principal horizontal stresses.They are generally consistent with data the World Stress Map Project data.
基金supported by the Marine S&T Fund of Shandong Province for Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology(Qingdao)(No.2022QNLM050201-3)the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2022YFF0801000)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.92158206,42003049).
文摘Subduction zones,linking the surface and deep carbon reservoirs,significantly affect the Earth’s long-term climate change and habitability.The subducting slabs undergo decarbonation with increasing pressure and temperature,during which partial carbon mobilizes out of the slab and returns to the surface by arc volcanism or degassing,while the residual carbon continues to descend to greater depths in the mantle.The estimated carbon influx at subduction zones depends strongly on the calculation model,with contributions from sediments ranging from 15 to 60 Mt C/yr,altered ocean basalts from 18 to 61 Mt C/yr,and serpentinized perdotites from 1.3 to 36 Mt C/yr.The carbon influx varies in space and time.Carbon removal from subducting slab occurs through metamorphic reactions,carbonate dissolution,diapirism,hydrocarbon formation and melting.Among these decarbonation mechanisms,diapirism and slab meting play a decisive role in dictating the depth at which surface carbonates can subduct.Specifically,diapirism may restrict sedimentary carbonates at shallow depths(<200 km),while slab melting exhausts all carbonates from the altered ocean crust near transition zones(410–660 km).Consequently,a mechanism enabling surface carbonates to reach the lower mantle,i.e.,ultra-deep carbon cycle,is required to be in accordance with observations by natural samples.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42274137).
文摘Over 90%of Earth’s carbon is stored in the mantle and core.The deep carbon cycle plays a critical role in regulating surface carbon fluxes,global climate,and the habitability of Earth.Carbon mainly residing within the sediments,altered oceanic crust,and mantle peridotite as carbonate minerals and organic carbon is transported to the deep Earth via plate subduction.A series of reactions(e.g.,metamorphism,dissolution,and melting)occurring in the subducting slab drive the carbon removal.Some of the car-bon is recycled to the surface via arc volcanism,while the rest is carried into the deeper Earth.More than two-thirds of the global subduction carbon input comes from sedimen-tary carbon,whose fate during subduction directly affects the flux in the global carbon cycle.Over the past two dec-ades,the sedimentary carbon cycle in subduction zones has been extensively studied by experiments and computational approaches.Here,we provide a comprehensive review of the sources,species,decarbonation reactions,carbon cycle trac-ing,and fluxes of sedimentary carbon in subduction zones,and the role of sedimentary carbon subduction in climate evolution and mantle chemistry.Further research is required for our understanding of deep carbon cycle processes and their role in Earth’s climate.
基金supported by the Central Public-interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund(No.CEAIEF 20220201)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.42374113 and 42074101)the Central Publicinterest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund(No.CEAIEF20230204).
文摘The structures of the mantle transition zone(MTZ)are of great significance for studying interactions of the subducted slab and deep mantle and related slab dynamics beneath subduction zones.Here by dense near-source SdP sampling from a large global dataset,we image topographies of transition zone discontinuities such as the 410-km and 660-km discontinuities(410 and 660)beneath the Kamchatka and conduct cross-section comparisons with the seismicity.Compared with the IASP91 model,the 410 exhibits apparent uplifts of 45-65 km with an average of 55 km in a horizontal width of~130 km,corresponding to lowtemperature anomalies of 750-1083 K with an average of 916 K.In contrast,the 660 shows depressions of 15-37 km with an average of 25 km together with downward deflections in a width of~260 km,implying low-temperature anomalies of 161-397 K with an average of 268 K.Thus,we confirm a thickened MTZ with a thickness of 325-345 km around the cold descending Pacific slab.We suggest that topographic patterns of transition zone discontinuities imply a Pacific slab that has been significantly heated in the MTZ with broadened thermal effects on the 660.When considered along with other studies,we infer that the slab is possibly heated by hot mantle flows around the torn slab window extended to at least the MTZ range,thus inducing variations in thermal and rheological properties of the slab.Our seismic results can provide more insight into slab dynamics in the northwestern Pacific.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grants No.92058213 and No.U22A20581)the Specific Research Fund of the Innovation Platform for Academicians of Hainan Province(Grant No.YSPTZX202204)key R&D projects of Hainan Province(ZDYF2024GXJS022).
文摘Subduction zones are critical interfaces for lithospheric volatile fluxes,where complex tectonic and geochemical interactions facilitate the release of gases and fluids from deep-seated reservoirs within the Earth’s crust.Mud volcanism,as a dynamic manifestation of these processes,contributes CH_(4)emissions that influence the global methane budget and impact marine ecosystems.Although∼2000 CH_(4)-rich mud extrusions have been documented in subduction zones globally,the geological origins and subduction-related geochemical and tectonic mechanisms driving these emissions remain poorly understood.This research examines the Makran subduction zone which hosts one of the world’s largest accretionary wedge and extensive CH_(4)-rich mud extrusions,as a model system.Integrated geochemical,geophysical,and geological observations reveal that thermogenic CH_(4)and clay-rich fluidized muds originate from deeply buried Himalayan turbidites(underthrusted sediments),driven by organic-rich sediment maturation and high fluid overpressure.Key tectonic features,including thrust faults,overburden pressure of wedge-top sediments,normal faults,brittle fractures,and seismicity,facilitate CH_(4)-rich mud extrusions into the hydrosphere and atmosphere.The extruded gases are predominantly CH_(4),with minor C_(2)H_(6),C_(3)H_(8),i-C_(4)H_(10),and n-C_(4)H_(10)while the mud breccia exhibits a chemical composition dominated by SiO_(2),Al_(2)O_(3),and Fe_(2)O_(3),enriched with trace elements(Rb,Zr,and V)and clay minerals,quartz,and carbonates.Geochemical indicators suggest intense chemical weathering and mature sediments classifying the mud breccia as litharenite and sub-litharenite,indicative of deep burial and compaction.These findings model the evolution of CH_(4)-rich mud extrusions through three geological stages:(i)Eocene to Early Miocene pre-thermogenic formation of the CH_(4)-rich source,(ii)Middle Miocene to Pliocene syn-thermogenic CH_(4)and fluidized mud generation,and(iii)Pleistocene to Recent post-thermogenic CH_(4)-rich fluidized mud migration.These findings underscore the critical yet often overlooked role of subduction-related geochemical and tectonic processes in CH_(4)generation and emission,with significant implications for the global CH_(4)budget and marine ecosystems.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDB 41000000)National Basic Research Program of China(Grant No.2015CB856106)National Natural Science Foundation of China(41774105,41820104004,41688103).
文摘The thermal structure of the continental subduction zone can be deduced from high-pressure and ultra-high-pressure rock samples or numerical simulation.However,petrological data indicate that the temperature of subducted continental plates is generally higher than that derived from numerical simulation.In this paper,a two-dimensional kinematic model is used to study the thermal structure of continental subduction zones,with or without a preceding oceanic slab.The results show that the removal of the preceding oceanic slab can effectively increase the slab surface temperature of the continental subduction zone in the early stage of subduction.This can sufficiently explain the difference between the cold thermal structure obtained from previous modeling results and the hot thermal structure obtained from rock sample data.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.41872067,41972064,41630207,41720104009,41703053)Project of the Chinese Geological Survey(Grant Nos.DD20190006,DD20190060)the Foundation of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences(Grant Nos.J1901-9,J1901-31,J1903)。
文摘The uvarovite-andradite and uvarovite-andradite-grossular solid-solution series are rare in nature.The discovery of uvarovite-andradite in serpentinite and rodingite from the ultra-high pressure(UHP)metamorphic belt in southwestern Tianshan provided an opportunity to investigate its behavior in the subduction zone.Uvarovite(defined as chromiumgarnet)from serpentinite is homogeneous in a single grain,covering compositions in the uvarovite-andradite solid solution series of Adr_(58-66)Uv_(33-41),with few grossular components.Uvarovite from rodingites contain various Cr_(2)O_(3) contents(1.7-17.9 wt%)and mineral compositions being in the range of Adr_(21-31)Uv_(41-50)Grs_(22-37),Adr_(52-90)Uv_(5-25)Grs_(0-21) and Adr_(19-67)Uv_(3-63)Grs_(13-42).Discontinuous chemical variation of uvarovite from core to rim indicates that uvarovite formed by consuming andradite and chromite,which could provide Ca,Cr,Al and Fe.Raman signals of water were identified for uvarovite from both serpentinite and rodingite,with high water content in uvarovite from serpentinite.The high pressure mineral assemblage,as well as the association with perovskite,indicated that the studied uvarovite from serpentinite and rodingite was formed through high pressure metamorphism,during the subduction zone serpentinization and rodingitization.High alkaline and highly reduced fluids released from serpentinization or rodingitization in the oceanic subduction zone promote the mobility of chromium and enable its long-distance migration.
文摘This paper presents preliminary results of three-dimensional thermomechanical finite-element models of a parameter study to compute the current temperature and stress distribution in the subduction zone of the central Andes （16°S-26°S） up to a depth of 400 km, the bottom of the asthenosphere. For this purpose a simulation running over c. 50,000 years will be realized based on the geometry of a generic subduction zone and an elasto-viscoplastic Drucker-Prager rheology. The kinematic and thermal boundary conditions as well as the rheological parameters represent the current state of the study area. In future works the model will be refined using a systematic study of physical parameters in order to estimate the influence of the main parameters （e.g. viscosity, fault friction, velocity, shear heating） on the results of the reference model presented here. The reference model is kept as simple as possible to be able to estimate the influence of the parameters in future studies in the best possible way, whilst minimizing comnutational time.
文摘The transitional pressure of quartz coesite under the differential stress and highly strained conditions is far from the pressure of the stable field under the static pressure. Therefore, the effect of the differential stress should be considered when the depth of petrogenesis is estimated about ultrahigh pressure metamorphic (UHPM) rocks. The rheological strength of typical ultrahigh pressure rocks in continental subduction zone was derived from the results of the laboratory experiments. The results indicate the following three points. (1) The rheological strength of gabbro, similar to that of eclogite, is smaller than that of clinopyroxenite on the same condition. (2) The calculated strength of rocks (gabbro, eclogite and clinopyroxenite) related to UHPM decreases by nearly one order of magnitude with the temperature rising by 100 ℃ in the range between 600 and 900 ℃. The calculated strength is far greater than the faulting strength of rocks at 600 ℃, and is in several hundred to more than one thousand mega pascals at 700-800 ℃, which suggests that those rocks are located in the brittle deformation region at 600 ℃, but are in the semi brittle to plastic deformation region at 700-800 ℃. Obviously, the 700 ℃ is a brittle plastic transition boundary. (3) The calculated rheological strength in the localized deformation zone on a higher strain rate condition (1.6×10 -12 s -l ) is 2-5 times more than that in the distributed deformation zone on a lower strain rate condition (1.6×10 -14 s -1 ). The average rheological stress (1 600 MPa) at the strain rate of 10 -12 s -1 stands for the ultimate differential stress of UHPM rocks in the semi brittle flow field, and the average rheological stress (550-950 MPa) at the strain rate of l0 -14 - 10 -13 s -l stands for the ultimate differential stress of UHPM rocks in the plastic flow field, suggesting that the depth for the formation of UHPM rocks is more than 20-60 km below the depth estimated under static pressure condition due to the effect of the differential stress.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China under grant 40874095 and NSF under grant EAR-063566
文摘We examined the spatial variation of velocity structures around the 660-kin discontinuity at the western Pacific subduction zones by waveform modeling of triplication data. Data from two deep earthquakes beneath Izu-Bonin and Northeast China are used. Both events were well recorded by a dense broadband seismic network in China （CEArray）. The two events are located at approximately the same distance to the CEArray, yet significant differences are observed in their records： （1） the direct arrivals traveling above the 660-km discontinuity （AB branch） are seen in a different distance extent： -29° for the NE China event, -23° for Izu-Bonin event; （2） the direct （AB） and the refracted waves at the 660-km （CD branch） cross over at 19.5° and 17° for the NE China and the Izu-Bonin event, respectively. The best fitting model for the NE China event has a broad 660-km discontinuity and a constant high velocity layer upon it; while the Izu-Bonin model differs from the standard IASP91 model only with a high velocity layer above the 660-km discontinuity. Variations in velocity models can be roughly explained by subduction geometry.
文摘A systematic account of micro-textures and a few compositional profiles of plagioclase from high-alumina basaltic aa lava erupted during the year 1994-1995, from Barren Island Volcano, NE India ocean, are presented for the first time. The identified micro-textures can be grouped into two categories： （i） Growth related textures in the form of coarse/fine-sieve morphology, fine-scale oscillatory zoning and resorption surfaces resulted when the equilibrium at the crystal-melt interface was fluctuated due to change in temperature or H20 or pressure or composition of the crystallizing melt; and （ii） morphological texture, like glomerocryst, synneusis, swallow-tailed crystal, microlite and broken crystals, formed by the influence of dynamic behavior of the crystallizing magma （convection, turbulence, degassing, etc.）. Each micro-texture has developed in a specific magmatic environment, accordingly, a first order magma plumbing model and crystallization dynamics are envisaged for the studied lava unit. Magma generated has undergone extensive fractional crystallization of An-rich plagioclase in stable magmatic environment at a deeper depth. Subsequently they ascend to a shallow chamber where the newly brought crystals and pre-existing crystals have undergone dynamic crystallization via dissolution-regrowth processes in a convective self- mixing environment. Such repeated recharge-recycling processes have produced various populations of plagioclase with different micro-textural stratigraphy in the studied lava unit. Intermittent degassing and eruption related decompression have also played a major role in the final stage of crystallization dynamics.
基金granted by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC 41273037,41673031,41473033)
文摘Subduction zones involve many complex geological processes,including the release of slabderived fluids,fluid/rock interactions,partial melting,isotopic fractionations,elemental transporting,and crust/mantle interactions.Lithium(Li)isotopes(~6Li and~7Li)have relative mass difference up to 16%,being the largest among metal elements.Thus,Li isotopes have advantage to interprete trace various geological processes.Most importantly,during crust/mantle interactions in deep subduction zones,surface materials and mantle rocks usually have distinct Li isotopic compositions.Li isotopes can be potential tracer for subduction processes,from the onset of subduction to the release of Li from subducted slabs and interaction with mantle wedge,as well as the fate of Li in slab-derived fluids and residual slabs.Moreover,the Li isotopic composition of subducting output materials can provide useful information for understanding global Li circulation.With developments in measurement and expansion of Li isotopic database,Li isotopic geochemistry will provide more inference and be a powerful tracer for understanding subduction-related processes.This work retrospected the application of Li isotopes in tracing successive subduction processes,and made some prospects for further studies of Li isotopes.
文摘Following a quasi-dynamic scheme proposed by Minear and Toksoz (1970), thermal structures of subduction zonesfor different models by finite element method (FEM) were calculated. Density distribution and p-wave anomaly ofsubduction zones were calculated at the same time. Comparing with seismological evidences and results of laboratories. it is proposed that earthquakes occurred below 400 km depth are probably controlled by anti-crackmechanism.
文摘The Izu-Bonin subduction zone in the Northwest Pacific is an ideal location for understanding mantle dynamics such as cold lithosphere subduction. The slab produces a lateral thermal anomaly, inducing local topographic changes at the boundary of a post-spinel phase transformation, considered to be the origin of the ‘660-km discontinuity.’ In this study, the short-period(1–2 Hz) S-to-P conversion phase S660P was used to obtain the fine-scale structure of the discontinuity. More than 100 earthquakes that occurred from the 1980s to the 2020s and were recorded by high-quality seismic arrays in the United States and Europe were analyzed. A discontinuity in the ambient mantle with an average depth of ~670 km was found beneath the 300–400-km event zone in the northern Bonin region near 33°N. Meanwhile, the ‘660-km discontinuity’ has been pushed upward, away from the slab, possibly because of a hot upwelling mantle plume. In the central part of the subduction zone, the 660-km discontinuity is depressed to an average depth of(690 ± 5) km within the slab at approximately 150 km below the coldest slab core, indicating a(300 ± 100) ℃ cold anomaly estimated using a post-spinel transformation Clapeyron slope of(-2.0 ± 1.0) MPa/K. In southern Bonin near 28°N, the discontinuity was found to be further depressed at an average depth of(695 ± 5) km below the deepest event and with a focal depth of ~550 km. The discontinuity is located where the slab bends abruptly to become sub-horizontal toward the west-southwest. Near the zone of the isolated Bonin Super Deep Earthquake, which occurred at ~680 km on May 30,2015, the discontinuity is depressed to ~700 km, suggesting a near-vertical penetrating slab and an S-to-P conversion in the coldest slab core, where a large low-temperature anomaly should exist.
基金This work is Earth Observatory of Singapore contribution(No.M4430217.B50.706022)the Ministry of Science and Technology(Grant Nos.MOST 109-2116-M-008-029-MY3,MOST 110-2124-M-002-008,and MOST 110-2634-F-008-008)。
文摘Seafloor irregularities influence rupture behavior along the subducting slab and in the overriding plate,thus affecting earthquake cycles.Whether seafloor irregularities increase the likelihood of large earthquakes in a subduction zone remains contested,partially due to focus put either on fault development or on rupture pattern.Here,we simulate a subducting slab with a seafloor irregularity and the resulting deformation pattern of the overriding plate using the discrete element method.Our simulations illustrate the rupture along three major fault systems:megathrust,splay and backthrust faults.Our results show different rupture dimensions of earthquake events varying from tens to ca.140 km.Our results suggest that the recurrence interval of megathrust events with rupture length of ca.100 km is ca.140 years,which is overall comparable to the paleoseismic records at the Mentawai area of the Sumatran zone.We further propose the coseismic slip amounts decrease and interseismic slip amounts increase from the surface downwards gradually.We conclude that the presence of seafloor irregularities significantly affects rupture events along the slab as well as fault patterns in the overriding plate.
基金Foundation item:The Open Research Fund of the Key Laboratory of Marine Mineral Resources,Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey,MNR under contract No.KLMMR-2017-B-01the National Program on Global Change and Air–Sea Interaction,SOA under contract No.GASI-GEOGE-01+2 种基金the Scientific Research Fund of the Second Institute of Oceanography,MNR under contract Nos JG1903 and QNYC1901the National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos 41706044,41706041,41890811 and 91858214the Open Research Fund of the Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology,Chinese Academy of Sciences under contract No.OMG2019-04.
文摘The Nankai Trough subduction zone is a typical subduction system characterized by subduction of multiple geological units of the Philippine Sea Plate(the Kyushu-Palau Ridge,the Shikoku Basin,the Kinan Seamount Chain,and the Izu-Bonin Arc)beneath the Eurasian Plate in the southwest of Japan.This study presents a geophysical and geochemical analysis of the Nankai Trough subduction zone in order to determine the features and subduction effects of each geological unit.The results show that the Nankai Trough is characterized by lowgravity anomalies(–20 mGal to–40 mGal)and high heat flow(60–200 mW/m2)in the middle part and low heat flow(20–80 mW/m2)in the western and eastern parts.The crust of the subducting plate is 5–20 km thick.The mantle composition of the subducting plate is progressively depleted from west to east.Subduction of aseismic ridges(e.g.,the Kyushu-Palau Ridge,the Kinan Seamount Chain,and the Zenisu Ridge)is a common process that leads to a series of subduction effects at the Nankai Trough.Firstly,aseismic ridge or seamount chain subduction may deform the overriding plate,resulting in irregular concave topography along the front edge of the accretionary wedge.Secondly,it may have served as a seismic barrier inhibiting rupture propagation in the 1944 Mw 8.1 and 1946 Mw 8.3 earthquakes.In addition,subduction of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge and hot and young Shikoku Basin lithosphere may induce slab melting,resulting in adakitic magmatism and the provision of ore-forming metals for the formation of porphyry copper and gold deposits in the overriding Japan Arc.Based on comparisons of their geophysical and geochemical characteristics,we suggest that,although the Izu-Bonin Arc has already collided with the Japan Arc,the Kyushu-Palau Ridge,which represents a remnant arc of the Izu-Bonin Arc,is still at the subduction stage characterized by a single-vergence system and a topographic boundary with the Japan Arc.
基金This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.41676039 and 4207061006)the Shandong Young Teacher Growth Program.
文摘To understand the rheology,structure,and tectonics of the lithosphere in the Mariana subduction zone and surrounding regions,we calculated the effective elastic thickness of the lithosphere(Te)in these areas using the improved moving window admittance technique(MWAT)method.We find that smaller data grid spacing can better reflect Te variations in the subduction zone.The Te of the study region ranges from 0 to 47 km.The Te is reduced from 40 km on the seaward side of the outer-rise region to 1-2 km along the trench axis.The lithospheric breaking distance from the trench axis ranges from 0 to 250 km.We suggest that the intermediate Te values in seamounts and high Te values on the seaward side of the outer-rise region respectively reflect the‘fossil’rheological state and current lithospheric strength of the Pacific plate.The faulting induced by the downward bending of subducting plate not only ruptures the lithosphere but also contributes to the mantle serpentinization,significantly reducing the lithospheric strength.The largest breaking distance of the Ogasawara Plateau may be due to the increase in the mass load of the subducting plate in the Ogasawara Plateau and the significant horizontal bending force in the plate caused by the resistance of seamounts to subduction.Furthermore,a good positive correlation exists between the breaking distance and subduction dip angle along the trench axis.We suggest that the subducting plate with a larger breaking distance is likely to form a larger subduction angle.
