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Continental Collision and the STEP-wise Evolution of Convergent Plate Boundaries: From Structure to Dynamics

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Subduction Zone Geodynamics

Part of the book series: Frontiers in Earth Sciences ((FRONTIERS))

Abstract

Particularly interesting stages in the evolution of subduction zones are the two main transient stages: initiation and termination. In this contribution the focus is on the second of these: terminal stage subduction, often triggered by continental collision or arc-continent collision. The landlocked basin setting of the Mediterranean region, in particular the western-central Mediterranean, provides unique opportunities to study terminal stage subduction and its consequences

We use seismic tomography results on lithosphere and upper mantle structure as a source of information on plate boundary structure, and concentrate on the lithospheric scale aspects. Combining this structural information with process-oriented numerical modelling studies and regional observations, we present a 3D model for convergent plate boundary evolution after collision, in which slab detachment and the formation of tear or STEP (Subduction-Transform-Edge-Propagator) faults are key elements. A STEP fault laterally decouples subducting lithosphere from non-subducting litho-sphere in a scissor type of fashion. It enhances the ability of a slab to retreat through the mantle fl ow around the edge of the subducted slab. In this way collision and back-arc extension may occur in close proximity. In our study area this specifically pertains to collision along the north African margin, STEP formation in easterly direction, CCW rotation of the southern Apennines slab and the opening of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Vertical tearing of subducted lithosphere may play an important role as well, but is probably not crucial. On the basis of the good agreement between the Mediterranean-based model and the evolution of the Tonga-Fiji region we expect that the model may shed light on other complex convergent plate boundary regions, as well.

In summary: Upon continental (or arc-continent) collision, along-trench variations in lithospheric properties of the subducting lithosphere may lead to disruption and segmentation of the subduction system. Following slab detachment along limited segments of a convergent plate boundary, the development of STEP faults is expected. These faults contribute to an increase in arc curvature within plate boundary segments. This contributes to the sinuous geometry of long subduction systems such as in the western and southwest Pacifi c.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Budapestlaan 4, 3584, CD Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Rinus Wortel, Rob Govers & Wim Spakman

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  1. Rinus Wortel
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  2. Rob Govers
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  3. Wim Spakman
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire Géosciences Montpellier, Université Montpellier 2, CNRS/INSU, CC. 60, place E. Bataillon, Montpellier cedex 5, 34095, France

    Serge Lallemand

  2. Dipartimento Scienze Geologiche, Università degli Studi «Roma TRE», Largo S. Leonardo Murialdo 1, Roma, 00146, Italy

    Francesca Funiciello

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Wortel, R., Govers, R., Spakman, W. (2009). Continental Collision and the STEP-wise Evolution of Convergent Plate Boundaries: From Structure to Dynamics. In: Lallemand, S., Funiciello, F. (eds) Subduction Zone Geodynamics. Frontiers in Earth Sciences. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-87974-9_3

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