Subduction initiation forcing
The illustration depicts two endmember states in subduction zone initiation: vertically-forced and horizontally-forced subduction initiation.
The Subduction zone initiation (SZI) Database brings together the specialised and dispersed knowledge and data about the onset of subduction on the Earth. Here, you find graphics based on this up-to-date community knowledge outlining on how new subduction zones form, and have recently formed, on the Earth.
Plume-induced subduction
Temporal evolution of subduction initiation in a global, 3-D spherical numerical experiment showing the cold plates and hot mantle plumes.
SZI geologic evidence
Schematic illustration of the emplacement of subduction zone initiation (SZI)-typical rock evidence during SZI, and a typical SZI ophiolite sequence.