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Inter‐arc basins: A kinematic model
Author(s) -
Poehls Kenneth A.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/gl005i005p00325
Subject(s) - geology , subduction , trench , seismology , transform fault , back arc basin , shear (geology) , plate tectonics , structural basin , arc (geometry) , slip (aerodynamics) , fault (geology) , geometry , petrology , tectonics , geomorphology , chemistry , mathematics , organic chemistry , layer (electronics) , physics , thermodynamics
It is observed that active inter‐arc basins are found only where the subducted plate can interact with the plate behind the trench. This condition exists where trenches are terminated or offset by transform faults or where large variations in subduction rates occur. Shear coupling between the two juxtaposed plates across a transform or strike‐slip fault creates a tensional regime behind the island arc. Differential subduction velocities will couple the plate motions across both the more slowly subducting trench and across the intervening fracture zone. If the trench axis is assumed to move more slowly than a plate, inter‐arc basin spreading may be initiated to conserve area.