The core concerns of plate tectonics theory are the dynamics of subducting plates, which can be studied by integrating multidisciplinary fields such as seismology, mineral physics, rock geochemistry, geological format...The core concerns of plate tectonics theory are the dynamics of subducting plates, which can be studied by integrating multidisciplinary fields such as seismology, mineral physics, rock geochemistry, geological formation studies, sedimentology,and numerical simulations. By establishing a theoretical model and solving it with numerical methods, one can replicate the dynamic effects of a subducting plate, quantifying its evolution and the surface response. Simulations can also explain the observations and experimental results of other disciplines. Therefore, numerical models are among the most important tools for studying the dynamics of subducting plates. This paper provides a review on recent advances in the numerical modeling of subducting plate dynamics. It covers various aspects, namely, the origin of plate tectonics, the initiation process and thermal structure of subducting slab, and the main subduction slab dynamics in the upper mantle, mantle transition zone, and lower mantle. The results of numerical models are based on the theoretical equations of mass, momentum, and energy conservation. To better understand the dynamic progress of subducting plates, the simulation results must be verified in comparisons with the results from natural observations by geology, geophysics and geochemistry. With the substantial increase in computing power and continuous improvement of simulation methods, numerical models will become a more accurate and efficient means of studying the frontier issues of Earth sciences, including subducting plate dynamics.展开更多
Alaska geology and plate tectonics have not been well understood due to an active Yakutat plate, believed to be part of the remains of an ancient Kula plate, not being acknowledged to exist in Alaska. It is positioned...Alaska geology and plate tectonics have not been well understood due to an active Yakutat plate, believed to be part of the remains of an ancient Kula plate, not being acknowledged to exist in Alaska. It is positioned throughout most of southcentral Alaska beneath the North American plate and above the NNW subducting Pacific plate. The Kula？ plate and its eastern spreading ridge were partially ＂captured＂ by the North American plate in the Paleocene. Between 63 Ma and 32 Ma, large volumes of volcanics erupted from its subducted N-S striking spreading ridge through a slab window. The eruptions stopped at 32 Ma, likely due to the Pacific plate fiat-slab subducting from the south beneath this spreading ridge. At 28 Ma, magmatism started again to the east; indicating a major shift to the east of this ＂refusing to die＂ spreading ridge. The captured Yakutat plate has also been subducting since 63 Ma to the WSW. It started to change to WSW fiat-slab subduction at 32 Ma, which stopped all subduction magmatism in W and SW Alaska by 22 Ma. The Yakutat plate subduction has again increased with the impact/joining of the coastal Yakutat terrane from the ESE about 5 Ma, resulting in the Cook Inlet Quaternary volcanism of southcentral Alaska. During the 1964 Alaska earthquake, sudden movements along the southcentral Alaska thrust faults between the Yakutat plate and the Pacific plate occurred. Specifically, the movements consisted of the Pacific plate moving NNW under the buried Yakutat plate and of the coastal Yakutat terrane, which is considered part of the Yakutat plate, thrusting WSW onto the Pacific plate. These were the two main sources of energy release for the E part of this earthquake. Only limited movement between the Yakutat plate and the North American plate occurred during this 1964 earthquake event. Buried paleopeat age dates indicate the thrust boundary between the Yakutat plate and North American plate will move in about 230 years, resulting in a more ＂continental＂ type megathrust earthquake for sou展开更多
More than a half of strong earthquakes in the world are located in shallow depth at the subducting plate boundary in squeezed zones. Owing to the difference in speed between the moving sea plates, the strain energy is...More than a half of strong earthquakes in the world are located in shallow depth at the subducting plate boundary in squeezed zones. Owing to the difference in speed between the moving sea plates, the strain energy is accumulated and released cyclically in squeezed zones. Several methods were developed to analyze the medium-and short-term potential of main shocks. These methods can be classified into (1) less data systems using the theory of grey model for earthquake prediction, (2) quasi-periodic systems using earthquake activity analysis, (3) systems of grouped activity using order analysis, and (4) nonlinear systems using back propagation (BP) of neural network for prediction analysis. Based upon these analytic methods, risk maps for the prediction of strong earthquakes can be drawn using the records of strong earthquakes in Taiwan for the past 100 years. These risk maps include (1) a seismic risk map, (2) a loss risk map, (3) a hazard degree map, and (4) a loss degree map. These risk maps make it possible to do a medium-term prediction of main shocks on the 10-year scale.展开更多
The roles of subduction of the Pacific plate and the big mantle wedge(BMW) in the evolution of east Asian continental margin have attracted lots of attention in past years. This paper reviews recent progresses regardi...The roles of subduction of the Pacific plate and the big mantle wedge(BMW) in the evolution of east Asian continental margin have attracted lots of attention in past years. This paper reviews recent progresses regarding the composition and chemical heterogeneity of the BMW beneath eastern Asia and geochemistry of Cenozoic basalts in the region, with attempts to put forward a general model accounting for the generation of intraplate magma in a BMW system. Some key points of this review are summarized in the following.(1) Cenozoic basalts from eastern China are interpreted as a mixture of high-Si melts and low-Si melts. Wherever they are from, northeast, north or south China, Cenozoic basalts share a common low-Si basalt endmember, which is characterized by high alkali, Fe_2O_3~T and TiO_2 contents, HIMU-like trace element composition and relatively low ^(206)Pb/^(204)Pb compared to classic HIMU basalts. Their Nd-Hf isotopic compositions resemble that of Pacific Mantle domain and their source is composed of carbonated eclogites and peridotites. The high-Si basalt endmember is characterized by low alkali, Fe_2O_3~T and TiO_2 contents, Indian Mantle-type Pb-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions, and a predominant garnet pyroxenitic source. High-Si basalts show isotopic provinciality, with those from North China and South China displaying EM1-type and EM2-type components, respectively, while basalts from Northeast China containing both EM1-and EM2-type components.(2) The source of Cenozoic basalts from eastern China contains abundant recycled materials, including oceanic crust and lithospheric mantle components as well as carbonate sediments and water. According to their spatial distribution and deep seismic tomography, it is inferred that the recycled components are mostly from stagnant slabs in the mantle transition zone,whereas EM1 and EM2 components are from the shallow mantle.(3) Comparison of solidi of garnet pyroxenite, carbonated eclogite and peridotite with regional geotherm constrains the initial melting depth of high展开更多
Plate subduction is the largest natural factory that processes elements,which controls recycling and mineralization of a variety of elements.There are three major ore deposit belts in the world:the circumPacific,the c...Plate subduction is the largest natural factory that processes elements,which controls recycling and mineralization of a variety of elements.There are three major ore deposit belts in the world:the circumPacific,the centralAsian,and the Tethys belts.All the three belts are closely associated with plate subductions,the mechanism remains obscure.We approached this problem from systematic studies on the behaviours of elements during geologic processes.This contribution summaries the recent progress of our research group.Our results suggest that porphyry Cu deposits form through partial melting of subducted young oceanic crust under oxygen fugacities higher than AFMQ^+1.5,which is promoted after the elevation of atmospheric oxygen at ca.550 Ma.Tin deposits are associated with reducing magmatic rocks formed as a consequence of slab rollback.The Neo-Tethys tectonic regime hosts more than 60%of the world's total Sn reserves.This is due to the reducing environment formed during the subduction of organic rich sediments.For the same reason,porphyry Cu deposits formed in the late stages during the closure of the Neo-Tethys Ocean.Tungsten deposits are also controlled by slab rollback,but is not so sensitive to oxygen fugacity.Subduction related W/Sn deposits are mostly accompanied by abundant accessory fluorites due to the breakdown of phengite and apatite.Decomposition of phengite is also significant for hard rock lithium deposits,whereas orogenic belt resulted from plate subduction promote the formation of Li brine deposits.Cretaceous red bed basins near the Nanling region are favorable for Li brines.Both Mo and Re are enriched in the oxidationreduction cycle during surface processes,and may get further enriched once Mo-,Re-enriched sediments are subducted and involved in magmatism.During plate subduction,Mo and Re fractionate from each other.Molybdenum is mainly hosted in porphyry Mo deposits and to a less extent,porphyry Cu-Mo deposits,whereas Re is predominantly hosted in porphyry Cu-Mo deposits and sedimentary sulfide 展开更多
The South Yellow Sea Basin is partially surrounded by the East Asian continental Meso- Cenozoic widespread igneous rocks belt. Magnetic anomaly and multi-channel seismic data both reveal the prevalent occurrence of ig...The South Yellow Sea Basin is partially surrounded by the East Asian continental Meso- Cenozoic widespread igneous rocks belt. Magnetic anomaly and multi-channel seismic data both reveal the prevalent occurrence of igneous rocks. We preliminarily defined the coupling relation between magnetic anomalies and igneous rock bodies. Some igneous complexes were also recognized by using multi-channel seismic and drilling data. We identified various intrusive and extrusive igneous rock bodies, such as stocks, sills, dikes, laccoliths and volcanic edifice relics through seismic facies analysis. We also forecasted the distribution characteristics of igneous complexes. More than fifty hypabyssal intrusions and volcanic relics were delineated based on the interpretation of magnetic anomaly and dense intersecting multi-channel seismic data. It is an important supplement to regional geology and basin evolution research. Spatial matching relations between igneous rock belts and fractures document that extensional N-E and N-NE-trending deep fractures may be effective pathways for magma intrusion. These fractures formed under the influence of regional extension during the Meso- Cenozoic after the Indosinian movement. Isotopic ages and crosscutting relations between igneous rock bodies and the surrounding bedded sedimentary strata both indicate that igneous activities might have initiated during the Late Jurassic, peaked in the Early Cretaceous, gradually weakened in the Late Cretaceous, and continued until the Miocene. Combined with previous studies, it is considered that the Meso-Cenozoic igneous activities, especially the intensive igneous activity of the Early Cretaceous, are closely associated with the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate.展开更多
Detailed global plate motion models that provide a continuous description of plate boundaries through time are an effective tool for exploring processes both at and below the Earth's surface. A new generation of n...Detailed global plate motion models that provide a continuous description of plate boundaries through time are an effective tool for exploring processes both at and below the Earth's surface. A new generation of numerical models of mantle dynamics pre-and post-Pangea timeframes requires global kinematic descriptions with full plate reconstructions extending into the Paleozoic(410 Ma). Current plate models that cover Paleozoic times are characterised by large plate speeds and trench migration rates because they assume that lowermost mantle structures are rigid and fixed through time. When used as a surface boundary constraint in geodynamic models, these plate reconstructions do not accurately reproduce the present-day structure of the lowermost mantle. Building upon previous work, we present a global plate motion model with continuously closing plate boundaries ranging from the early Devonian at 410 Ma to present day.We analyse the model in terms of surface kinematics and predicted lower mantle structure. The magnitude of global plate speeds has been greatly reduced in our reconstruction by modifying the evolution of the synthetic Panthalassa oceanic plates, implementing a Paleozoic reference frame independent of any geodynamic assumptions, and implementing revised models for the Paleozoic evolution of North and South China and the closure of the Rheic Ocean. Paleozoic(410-250 Ma) RMS plate speeds are on average ～8 cm/yr, which is comparable to Mesozoic-Cenozoic rates of ～6 cm/yr on average.Paleozoic global median values of trench migration trend from higher speeds(～2.5 cm/yr) in the late Devonian to rates closer to 0 cm/yr at the end of the Permian(～250 Ma), and during the Mesozoic-Cenozoic(250-0 Ma) generally cluster tightly around ～1.1 cm/yr. Plate motions are best constrained over the past 130 Myr and calculations of global trench convergence rates over this period indicate median rates range between 3.2 cm/yr and 12.4 cm/yr with a present day median rate estimated at～5 cm/yr. For Paleozoic times(4展开更多
基金supported by the National Key Basic Research and Development Program Project (Grant No. 2015CB856106)the Sichuan-Yunnan National Earthquake Monitoring and Forecasting Experimental Site Project (Grant No. 2017CESE0102)
文摘The core concerns of plate tectonics theory are the dynamics of subducting plates, which can be studied by integrating multidisciplinary fields such as seismology, mineral physics, rock geochemistry, geological formation studies, sedimentology,and numerical simulations. By establishing a theoretical model and solving it with numerical methods, one can replicate the dynamic effects of a subducting plate, quantifying its evolution and the surface response. Simulations can also explain the observations and experimental results of other disciplines. Therefore, numerical models are among the most important tools for studying the dynamics of subducting plates. This paper provides a review on recent advances in the numerical modeling of subducting plate dynamics. It covers various aspects, namely, the origin of plate tectonics, the initiation process and thermal structure of subducting slab, and the main subduction slab dynamics in the upper mantle, mantle transition zone, and lower mantle. The results of numerical models are based on the theoretical equations of mass, momentum, and energy conservation. To better understand the dynamic progress of subducting plates, the simulation results must be verified in comparisons with the results from natural observations by geology, geophysics and geochemistry. With the substantial increase in computing power and continuous improvement of simulation methods, numerical models will become a more accurate and efficient means of studying the frontier issues of Earth sciences, including subducting plate dynamics.
文摘Alaska geology and plate tectonics have not been well understood due to an active Yakutat plate, believed to be part of the remains of an ancient Kula plate, not being acknowledged to exist in Alaska. It is positioned throughout most of southcentral Alaska beneath the North American plate and above the NNW subducting Pacific plate. The Kula？ plate and its eastern spreading ridge were partially ＂captured＂ by the North American plate in the Paleocene. Between 63 Ma and 32 Ma, large volumes of volcanics erupted from its subducted N-S striking spreading ridge through a slab window. The eruptions stopped at 32 Ma, likely due to the Pacific plate fiat-slab subducting from the south beneath this spreading ridge. At 28 Ma, magmatism started again to the east; indicating a major shift to the east of this ＂refusing to die＂ spreading ridge. The captured Yakutat plate has also been subducting since 63 Ma to the WSW. It started to change to WSW fiat-slab subduction at 32 Ma, which stopped all subduction magmatism in W and SW Alaska by 22 Ma. The Yakutat plate subduction has again increased with the impact/joining of the coastal Yakutat terrane from the ESE about 5 Ma, resulting in the Cook Inlet Quaternary volcanism of southcentral Alaska. During the 1964 Alaska earthquake, sudden movements along the southcentral Alaska thrust faults between the Yakutat plate and the Pacific plate occurred. Specifically, the movements consisted of the Pacific plate moving NNW under the buried Yakutat plate and of the coastal Yakutat terrane, which is considered part of the Yakutat plate, thrusting WSW onto the Pacific plate. These were the two main sources of energy release for the E part of this earthquake. Only limited movement between the Yakutat plate and the North American plate occurred during this 1964 earthquake event. Buried paleopeat age dates indicate the thrust boundary between the Yakutat plate and North American plate will move in about 230 years, resulting in a more ＂continental＂ type megathrust earthquake for sou
文摘More than a half of strong earthquakes in the world are located in shallow depth at the subducting plate boundary in squeezed zones. Owing to the difference in speed between the moving sea plates, the strain energy is accumulated and released cyclically in squeezed zones. Several methods were developed to analyze the medium-and short-term potential of main shocks. These methods can be classified into (1) less data systems using the theory of grey model for earthquake prediction, (2) quasi-periodic systems using earthquake activity analysis, (3) systems of grouped activity using order analysis, and (4) nonlinear systems using back propagation (BP) of neural network for prediction analysis. Based upon these analytic methods, risk maps for the prediction of strong earthquakes can be drawn using the records of strong earthquakes in Taiwan for the past 100 years. These risk maps include (1) a seismic risk map, (2) a loss risk map, (3) a hazard degree map, and (4) a loss degree map. These risk maps make it possible to do a medium-term prediction of main shocks on the 10-year scale.
基金supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDB18000000)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.41688103)the State Oceanography Bureau(Grant No.GASI-GEOGE-02)
文摘The roles of subduction of the Pacific plate and the big mantle wedge(BMW) in the evolution of east Asian continental margin have attracted lots of attention in past years. This paper reviews recent progresses regarding the composition and chemical heterogeneity of the BMW beneath eastern Asia and geochemistry of Cenozoic basalts in the region, with attempts to put forward a general model accounting for the generation of intraplate magma in a BMW system. Some key points of this review are summarized in the following.(1) Cenozoic basalts from eastern China are interpreted as a mixture of high-Si melts and low-Si melts. Wherever they are from, northeast, north or south China, Cenozoic basalts share a common low-Si basalt endmember, which is characterized by high alkali, Fe_2O_3~T and TiO_2 contents, HIMU-like trace element composition and relatively low ^(206)Pb/^(204)Pb compared to classic HIMU basalts. Their Nd-Hf isotopic compositions resemble that of Pacific Mantle domain and their source is composed of carbonated eclogites and peridotites. The high-Si basalt endmember is characterized by low alkali, Fe_2O_3~T and TiO_2 contents, Indian Mantle-type Pb-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions, and a predominant garnet pyroxenitic source. High-Si basalts show isotopic provinciality, with those from North China and South China displaying EM1-type and EM2-type components, respectively, while basalts from Northeast China containing both EM1-and EM2-type components.(2) The source of Cenozoic basalts from eastern China contains abundant recycled materials, including oceanic crust and lithospheric mantle components as well as carbonate sediments and water. According to their spatial distribution and deep seismic tomography, it is inferred that the recycled components are mostly from stagnant slabs in the mantle transition zone,whereas EM1 and EM2 components are from the shallow mantle.(3) Comparison of solidi of garnet pyroxenite, carbonated eclogite and peridotite with regional geotherm constrains the initial melting depth of high
基金Supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2016YFC0600408)
文摘Plate subduction is the largest natural factory that processes elements,which controls recycling and mineralization of a variety of elements.There are three major ore deposit belts in the world:the circumPacific,the centralAsian,and the Tethys belts.All the three belts are closely associated with plate subductions,the mechanism remains obscure.We approached this problem from systematic studies on the behaviours of elements during geologic processes.This contribution summaries the recent progress of our research group.Our results suggest that porphyry Cu deposits form through partial melting of subducted young oceanic crust under oxygen fugacities higher than AFMQ^+1.5,which is promoted after the elevation of atmospheric oxygen at ca.550 Ma.Tin deposits are associated with reducing magmatic rocks formed as a consequence of slab rollback.The Neo-Tethys tectonic regime hosts more than 60%of the world's total Sn reserves.This is due to the reducing environment formed during the subduction of organic rich sediments.For the same reason,porphyry Cu deposits formed in the late stages during the closure of the Neo-Tethys Ocean.Tungsten deposits are also controlled by slab rollback,but is not so sensitive to oxygen fugacity.Subduction related W/Sn deposits are mostly accompanied by abundant accessory fluorites due to the breakdown of phengite and apatite.Decomposition of phengite is also significant for hard rock lithium deposits,whereas orogenic belt resulted from plate subduction promote the formation of Li brine deposits.Cretaceous red bed basins near the Nanling region are favorable for Li brines.Both Mo and Re are enriched in the oxidationreduction cycle during surface processes,and may get further enriched once Mo-,Re-enriched sediments are subducted and involved in magmatism.During plate subduction,Mo and Re fractionate from each other.Molybdenum is mainly hosted in porphyry Mo deposits and to a less extent,porphyry Cu-Mo deposits,whereas Re is predominantly hosted in porphyry Cu-Mo deposits and sedimentary sulfide
基金financially supported by The National Special Project for Marine Geology(DD20160147)the National Basic Research Program of China(973 program+1 种基金 Grant No.2013CB429701)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.41210005)
文摘The South Yellow Sea Basin is partially surrounded by the East Asian continental Meso- Cenozoic widespread igneous rocks belt. Magnetic anomaly and multi-channel seismic data both reveal the prevalent occurrence of igneous rocks. We preliminarily defined the coupling relation between magnetic anomalies and igneous rock bodies. Some igneous complexes were also recognized by using multi-channel seismic and drilling data. We identified various intrusive and extrusive igneous rock bodies, such as stocks, sills, dikes, laccoliths and volcanic edifice relics through seismic facies analysis. We also forecasted the distribution characteristics of igneous complexes. More than fifty hypabyssal intrusions and volcanic relics were delineated based on the interpretation of magnetic anomaly and dense intersecting multi-channel seismic data. It is an important supplement to regional geology and basin evolution research. Spatial matching relations between igneous rock belts and fractures document that extensional N-E and N-NE-trending deep fractures may be effective pathways for magma intrusion. These fractures formed under the influence of regional extension during the Meso- Cenozoic after the Indosinian movement. Isotopic ages and crosscutting relations between igneous rock bodies and the surrounding bedded sedimentary strata both indicate that igneous activities might have initiated during the Late Jurassic, peaked in the Early Cretaceous, gradually weakened in the Late Cretaceous, and continued until the Miocene. Combined with previous studies, it is considered that the Meso-Cenozoic igneous activities, especially the intensive igneous activity of the Early Cretaceous, are closely associated with the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate.
基金supported by the Australian Governmentsupport of the Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship+1 种基金supported by Australian Research Council grant DE160101020supported by Australian Research Council grant IH130200012 and DP130101946
文摘Detailed global plate motion models that provide a continuous description of plate boundaries through time are an effective tool for exploring processes both at and below the Earth's surface. A new generation of numerical models of mantle dynamics pre-and post-Pangea timeframes requires global kinematic descriptions with full plate reconstructions extending into the Paleozoic(410 Ma). Current plate models that cover Paleozoic times are characterised by large plate speeds and trench migration rates because they assume that lowermost mantle structures are rigid and fixed through time. When used as a surface boundary constraint in geodynamic models, these plate reconstructions do not accurately reproduce the present-day structure of the lowermost mantle. Building upon previous work, we present a global plate motion model with continuously closing plate boundaries ranging from the early Devonian at 410 Ma to present day.We analyse the model in terms of surface kinematics and predicted lower mantle structure. The magnitude of global plate speeds has been greatly reduced in our reconstruction by modifying the evolution of the synthetic Panthalassa oceanic plates, implementing a Paleozoic reference frame independent of any geodynamic assumptions, and implementing revised models for the Paleozoic evolution of North and South China and the closure of the Rheic Ocean. Paleozoic(410-250 Ma) RMS plate speeds are on average ～8 cm/yr, which is comparable to Mesozoic-Cenozoic rates of ～6 cm/yr on average.Paleozoic global median values of trench migration trend from higher speeds(～2.5 cm/yr) in the late Devonian to rates closer to 0 cm/yr at the end of the Permian(～250 Ma), and during the Mesozoic-Cenozoic(250-0 Ma) generally cluster tightly around ～1.1 cm/yr. Plate motions are best constrained over the past 130 Myr and calculations of global trench convergence rates over this period indicate median rates range between 3.2 cm/yr and 12.4 cm/yr with a present day median rate estimated at～5 cm/yr. For Paleozoic times(4
