EGS XXV General Assembly, Nice, France, April 2000

SE11.03 Convergent margins: Kinematics and dynamics of subduction

Event Information

New data, state-of-the art syntheses, general physical models (both numerical and experimental) and model supported case studies will be discussed to gain insights into the following issues: initiation of subduction, mechanism and controlling factors of strain partitioning, including back-arc opening and subduction reversal; nature and dynamics of the seismogenic zone and the interplate friction (coupling); sedimentary accretion versus subduction and along-trench transport; back-stop deformation; rheology, mineralogical transformations and exhumation of the subducted material; thermal regime, volcanism and seismicity; interrelation between subduction process and mantle convection, role of the 670 km-transition zone; gravity signature of the subduction regime and associated mantle dynamics. Although subduction of continental and oceanic lithospheres result in very different geological structures, they have similarity in terms of the physical mechanisms which justifies the unification of both phenomena under one name: subduction. We would like to understand how similar or different two processes are. For example, what is the difference between subduction of oceanic plateaus and the continental crust, between continental expulsion tectonics and strain partitioning. The symposium offers room for contributions dealing with metamorphism and exhumation of the subducted crust, geological evolution and physical state of the accreted and underplated continental crust, role of erosion, fate of the subducted lithospheric mantle, and physical models.

Preliminary List of Solicited Speakers

Co-Sponsorship