The motion of oceanic plates is commonly related to the subduction of cold and dense oceanic material into the mantle. These models predict plate velocities from subduction velocities but the trench motion is not directly included in the computation. Here, using a recent compilation of a global data set, we found that the motion of trenches (either advancing or retreating with respect to upper plates) scales with their corresponding subducting plates motion. Based on simple experimental tests, we found that subduction of strong slabs inside the upper mantle correctly predicts these kinematic relationships. We deduce that the motion of the trenches represent the surface manifestation of the resistance encountered by the subducting lithosphere to bend and penetrate within the upper mantle.

Faccenna, C., Heuret, A., Funiciello, F., Lallemand, S., THORSTEN W., B. (2007). Predicting trench and plate motion from the dynamics of a strong slab. EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS, 257, 29-36.

Predicting trench and plate motion from the dynamics of a strong slab

FACCENNA, CLAUDIO;FUNICIELLO, FRANCESCA;
2007-01-01

Abstract

The motion of oceanic plates is commonly related to the subduction of cold and dense oceanic material into the mantle. These models predict plate velocities from subduction velocities but the trench motion is not directly included in the computation. Here, using a recent compilation of a global data set, we found that the motion of trenches (either advancing or retreating with respect to upper plates) scales with their corresponding subducting plates motion. Based on simple experimental tests, we found that subduction of strong slabs inside the upper mantle correctly predicts these kinematic relationships. We deduce that the motion of the trenches represent the surface manifestation of the resistance encountered by the subducting lithosphere to bend and penetrate within the upper mantle.
2007
Faccenna, C., Heuret, A., Funiciello, F., Lallemand, S., THORSTEN W., B. (2007). Predicting trench and plate motion from the dynamics of a strong slab. EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS, 257, 29-36.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11590/120949
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