Subduction initiation along the inherited weakness zone at the edge of a slab: Insights from numerical models

Abstract

A preexisting weakness zone in the lithosphere is required to initiate subduction. Here, we focus on a new type of weakness zone, a Subduction-Transform Edge Propagator (STEP) fault, which is inherited from a tear along the edge of a slab. Using coupled thermal-mechanical models, we show that STEP fault-perpendicular convergence results in a dipping shear zone in any tectonic setting. At a continental margin, this shear zone dips towards the continent, which is an excellent starting condition for ocean-continent subduction. If (far field) convergence persists, STEP faults become new subduction boundaries. The trench moves landward during the earliest stages of convergence. When slab pull becomes a dominant driving force, after ∼80km convergence, trench roll-back commences. The initial geometry and mechanical properties of the sub-crustal STEP fault zone affect the results; subduction initiation is facilitated by a wide (∼100km) and low-viscosity weakness zone. Incipient subduction is easier for young oceanic lithosphere due to its lower flexural rigidity and is insensitive to the far field convergence rate. As STEP faults are commonly associated with young oceanic lithosphere, subduction initiation is thus relatively easy along them. Of particular interest are continent-ocean margins where STEP faulting has occurred. © 2011 The Authors Geophysical Journal International © 2011 RAS.