Numerical analysis of subduction initiation risk along the Atlantic American passive margins

Abstract

Research Article| May 01, 2011 Numerical analysis of subduction initiation risk along the Atlantic American passive margins Ksenia Nikolaeva; Ksenia Nikolaeva 1Department of Geosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH-Zürich), CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Taras V. Gerya; Taras V. Gerya 1Department of Geosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH-Zürich), CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland2Department of Geology, Moscow State University, 119899 Moscow, Russia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Fernando O. Marques Fernando O. Marques 1Department of Geosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH-Zürich), CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland3University of Lisbon and Instituto Infante Dom Luis, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Ksenia Nikolaeva 1Department of Geosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH-Zürich), CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland Taras V. Gerya 1Department of Geosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH-Zürich), CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland2Department of Geology, Moscow State University, 119899 Moscow, Russia Fernando O. Marques 1Department of Geosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH-Zürich), CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland3University of Lisbon and Instituto Infante Dom Luis, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 07 Dec 2010 Accepted: 21 Dec 2010 First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 © 2011 Geological Society of America Geology (2011) 39 (5): 463–466. https://doi.org/10.1130/G31972.1 Article history Received: 07 Dec 2010 Accepted: 21 Dec 2010 First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation Ksenia Nikolaeva, Taras V. Gerya, Fernando O. Marques; Numerical analysis of subduction initiation risk along the Atlantic American passive margins. Geology 2011;; 39 (5): 463–466. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G31972.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract As the oceanic lithosphere ages and cools, its density increases and at some stage exceeds the density of the underlying asthenosphere, so that the plate can sink spontaneously under its own weight. However, despite the fact that some seafloors are ∼170 m.y. old, an undeniable Cenozoic example of a passive continental margin transforming into an active margin by subduction initiation is not yet known. Several workers have indicated the sources of difficulty of such a transformation; however, no evaluations of existing passive margins from the viewpoint of their future stability have been provided. As suggested by recent numerical experiments with generalized passive margin structures, spontaneous subduction initiation may have a hidden initial phase that is not expressed in diagnostic features such as trench and magmatic arc. Here we analyze numerically the probability of subduction initiation along the Atlantic American passive margins based on their topography and lithospheric and crustal structure. According to our experimental results, proper subduction will likely start during the next 10–20 m.y. along the southern part of the Brazilian margin, while other Atlantic margins of North and South America are stable under the present geodynamic conditions. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.