Dynamics of unstable continental subduction： Insights from numerical modeling

• Published in: Science China. Earth sciences 2017-02, Vol.60 (2), p.218-234
• Main Authors: Huangfu, PengPeng, Wang, YueJun, Fan, WeiMing, Li, ZhongHai, Zhou, YongZhi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Convergence; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Lithosphere; Marine; Mathematical models; Numerical analysis; Research Paper; Rheology; Upper mantle; 不稳定; 地壳流变; 大陆俯冲; 岩石圈热结构; 收敛速度; 数值模拟; 流变强度; 碰撞动力学
• ISSN: 1674-7313; 1869-1897
• DOI: 10.1007/s11430-016-5014-6

Numerical experiments are used in this study to systematically investigate the effects of convergence rate, crustal rheological strength, and lithospheric thermal structure on the dynamics of continental collision. The study focuses on the types, conditions and processes of unstable continental subduction. Modelling results suggest that the development of unstable continental subduction can be promoted by conditions that tend to decrease rheological strength of the lithosphere, such as low crustal rheological strength, ＂hot＂ thermal structure of the lithosphere, or low convergence rate. Unstable subduction mode can be further categorized into three types： （1） multi-stage slab breakoff, （2） continuously ＂flowing＂ of fluid-like slab into the upper mantle, and （3） large-scale detachment of the thickened orogenic root. These three types of unstable continental subduction are respectively associated with （1） a low convergence rate, （2） ＂hot＂ thermal structure of the lithosphere with a high convergence rate, and （3） moderate-high crustal rheological strength with a low convergence rate. It is also revealed that the evolution of crustal melting is dominated by the deformation pattern of continental collision, which is mainly controlled by crustal rheological strength. The modelling results have important implications for understanding of continental subduction mode selection under specific geodynamic conditions.