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Dynamics of back‐arc extension controlled by subducting slab retreat: Insights from 2D thermo‐mechanical modelling
Author(s) -
Sheng Jian,
Li Cunzhu,
Liao Jie,
Yang Ze,
Jiang Shiyi
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
geological journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.721
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1099-1034
pISSN - 0072-1050
DOI - 10.1002/gj.3336
Subject(s) - slab , geology , subduction , slab window , back arc basin , seismology , mantle (geology) , arc (geometry) , geophysics , geometry , tectonics , oceanic crust , mathematics
Back‐arc regions, located in the overriding slabs and separated from fore‐arcs by magmatic extrusion, are closely coupled with subduction zones. The width of back‐arc extension is broadly varied in the world. Although the dynamics of the subducting slab is widely studied, the coupling between subducting slab dynamics and back‐arc extension development is still poorly understood. In this study, we aim to numerically analyse how subducting slab retreat influences back‐arc extension, with particular attention paid on the coupling between subducting slab dynamics and back‐arc extension dynamics. Geometry evolution of the subducting slab in the deep upper mantle is investigated. Furthermore, we investigate key parameters that may control back‐arc extension dynamic pattern and process. We perform systematically a set of numerical experiments with 2D high‐resolution thermo‐mechanical coupled oceanic–continental subduction models.