Journal of Geological Society of India (Online archive from Vol 1 to Vol 78)

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Numerical Modeling of Flow Patterns Around Subducting Slabs in a Viscoelastic Medium and its Implications in the Lithospheric Stress Analysis


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1 Indian Institute of Science Education and Research-Kolkata, FC-6, Salt Lake, Sector III, Kolkata-700 106, India
     

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This paper presents results obtained from numerical model experiments to show different patterns of mantle flow produced by lithospheric movement in subduction zones. Using finite element models, based on Maxwell rheology (relaxation time ∼ 1011S), we performed three types of experiments: Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3. In Type 1 experiments, the lithospheric slab subducts into the mantle by translational movement, maintaining a constant subduction angle. The experimental results show that the flow perturbations occur in the form of vortices in the mantle wedge, irrespective of subduction rate and angle. The mantle wedge vortex is coupled with another vortex below the subducting plate, which tends to be more conspicuous with decreasing subduction rate. Type 2 experiments take into account a flexural deformation of the plate, and reveal its effect on the flow patterns. The flexural motion induces a flow in the form of spiral pattern at the slab edge. Density-controlled lithospheric flexural motion produces a secondary flow convergence zone beneath the overriding plate. In many convergent zones the subducting lithospheric plate undergoes detachment, and moves down into the mantle freely. Type 3 experiments demonstrate flow perturbations resulting from such slab detachments. Using three-dimensional models we analyze lithospheric stresses in convergent zone, and map the belts of horizontal compression and tension as a function of subduction angle.

Keywords

Plate Tectonics, Convergent Zones, Subduction, Maxwell Rheology, Flow Perturbations.
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  • Numerical Modeling of Flow Patterns Around Subducting Slabs in a Viscoelastic Medium and its Implications in the Lithospheric Stress Analysis

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Authors

Nishant Kumar
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research-Kolkata, FC-6, Salt Lake, Sector III, Kolkata-700 106, India
Shamik Sarkar
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research-Kolkata, FC-6, Salt Lake, Sector III, Kolkata-700 106, India
Nibir Mandal
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research-Kolkata, FC-6, Salt Lake, Sector III, Kolkata-700 106, India

Abstract


This paper presents results obtained from numerical model experiments to show different patterns of mantle flow produced by lithospheric movement in subduction zones. Using finite element models, based on Maxwell rheology (relaxation time ∼ 1011S), we performed three types of experiments: Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3. In Type 1 experiments, the lithospheric slab subducts into the mantle by translational movement, maintaining a constant subduction angle. The experimental results show that the flow perturbations occur in the form of vortices in the mantle wedge, irrespective of subduction rate and angle. The mantle wedge vortex is coupled with another vortex below the subducting plate, which tends to be more conspicuous with decreasing subduction rate. Type 2 experiments take into account a flexural deformation of the plate, and reveal its effect on the flow patterns. The flexural motion induces a flow in the form of spiral pattern at the slab edge. Density-controlled lithospheric flexural motion produces a secondary flow convergence zone beneath the overriding plate. In many convergent zones the subducting lithospheric plate undergoes detachment, and moves down into the mantle freely. Type 3 experiments demonstrate flow perturbations resulting from such slab detachments. Using three-dimensional models we analyze lithospheric stresses in convergent zone, and map the belts of horizontal compression and tension as a function of subduction angle.

Keywords


Plate Tectonics, Convergent Zones, Subduction, Maxwell Rheology, Flow Perturbations.

References