Subduction

Subduction forces and flow pattern

Conceptual illustration for the basic forces and mantle flow pattern around subduction zones.

Subduction zone initiation statistics

The number of subduction-zone initiation (SZI) events that fulfil specific aspects versus the total number of 13 SZI events from the SZI Database (Crameri et al. 2020) diagnosed.

Subduction zone initiation events

Some of the subduction-zone initiation (SZI) events that occurred during the last 120 million years indicated in space and time according to the SZI Database by Crameri et al. (2020).

Subduction zone initiation reconstructions

Subduction zone initiation (SZI) reconstructions for selected events since around 100 Ma. The reconstructed events are based on the whole Earth Sciences community point-of-view of the SZI database.

Slab tearing (sketch)

Sketch of laterally progressing slab detachment and resulting inflow of asthenospheric material into the opening gap.

Subduction diversity

Subduction diversity on the Earth represented by variable observed parameters.

Subduction earthquakes (crosssection)

Vertical crosssection through the Japan subduction zone highlighting large, subduction-related earthquakes recorded over the last decades and the spatial distribution of their hypocentres.

Subduction zones (map)

Map of subduction zones on the Earth.

Puysegur trench formation

A schematic highlighting the formation of the Puysegur trench, New Zealand, where subduction zone initiation may be both horizontally and then vertically driven, according to a 4D evolution model of this margin.