Subduction dynamics

Slab tearing (sketch)

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

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.

Subduction zone initiation types

Illustration of the three types of subduction zone initiation (SZI) events, namely Newly destructive, Episodic subduction, and Polarity reversal.

Subduction zone initiation forcing

Illustration of the two endmember forcing states, namely vertically and horizontally driven, characterising subduction zone initiation (SZI).

Slab-gap dynamics

Sketch of an evolution of an opening and sinking slab gap during oceanic subduction and the resulting surrounding mantle flow.

Slab retreat dynamics

Three different ways to allow for fast subduction trench retreat.

Subduction seismic anisotropy

Illustration of constraints on subduction zone seismic anisotropy from a global compilation of shear-wave splitting measurements.

SZI geologic evidence

Schematic illustration of the emplacement of subduction zone initiation (SZI)-typical rock evidence during SZI, and a typical SZI ophiolite sequence.