When plate tectonics started to occur on Earth and how it has evolved through time are two of the most fundamental questions in earth sciences. While gravity-driven subducting has been accepted as a critical condition...When plate tectonics started to occur on Earth and how it has evolved through time are two of the most fundamental questions in earth sciences. While gravity-driven subducting has been accepted as a critical condition for the operation of plate tectonics on Earth, it is intriguing how the dynamic regime and thermal state of subduction zones have affected the style of plate tectonics in Earth’s history. The metamorphic rocks of regional distribution along convergent plate boundaries record reworking of crustal rocks through dehydration and melting at lithospheric depths. The property of regional metamorphism is determined by both dynamic regime and thermal state of plate margins. The two variables have secularly evolved in Earth’s history, which is recorded by changes in the global distribution of metamorphic facies series through time. This results in two styles of plate tectonics. Modern-style plate tectonics has developed since the Neoproterozoic when plate margins were rigid enough for cold subducting, whereas ancient-style plate tectonics has developed since the Archean when plate margins were ductile enough for warm subducting. Such a difference is primarily dictated by higher mantle temperatures in the Archean than in the Phanerozoic. The development of plate subduction in both cold and warm realms is primarily dictated by the rheology of plate margins. This leads to a holistic model for the style of plate tectonics during different periods in Earth’s history.展开更多
Different models have been proposed for the formation and tectonic evolution of the South China Sea （SCS）, including extrusion of the Indochina Peninsula, backarc extension, two-stage opening, proto-SCS dragging, ex...Different models have been proposed for the formation and tectonic evolution of the South China Sea （SCS）, including extrusion of the Indochina Peninsula, backarc extension, two-stage opening, proto-SCS dragging, extension induced by a mantle plume, and integrated models that combine diverse factors. Among these, the extrusion model has gained the most attention. Based on simplified physical experiments, this model proposes that collision between the Indian and Eurasian Plates resulted in extrusion of the Indochina Peninsula, which in turn led to opening of the SCS. The extrusion of the Indochina Peninsula, however, should have led to preferential open- ing in the west side of the SCS, which is contrary to observations. Extensional models propose that the SCS was a backarc basin, rifted off the South China Block. Most of the backarc extension models, however, are not compatible with observations in terms of either age or subduction direction. The two-stage extension model is based on extensional basins surrounding the SCS. Recent dating results indeed show two-stage opening in the SCS, but the Southwest Subbasin of the SCS is much younger, which contradicts the two-stage extension model. Here we pro- pose a refined backarc extension model. There was a wide Neotethys Ocean between the Australian and Eurasian Plates before the Indian-Eurasian collision. The ocean floorstarted to subduct northward at ~ 125 Ma, causing backarc extension along the southem margin of the Eurasian Plate and the formation of the proto-SCS. The Neotethys sub- duction regime changed due to ridge subduction in the Late Cretaceous, resulting in fold-belts, uplifting, erosion, and widespread unconformities. It may also have led to the subduction of the proto-SCS. Flat subduction of the ridge may have reached further north and resulted in another backarc extension that formed the SCS. The rollback of the fiat subducting slab might have occurred ~ 90 Ma ago; the second backarc extension may have initiated between 50 and 45 Ma. The opening of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
The Indo-Pacific convergence region is the best target to solve the teo remaining challenges of the plate tectonics theory,i.e.,subduction initiation and the driving force of plate tectonics.Recent studies proposed th...The Indo-Pacific convergence region is the best target to solve the teo remaining challenges of the plate tectonics theory,i.e.,subduction initiation and the driving force of plate tectonics.Recent studies proposed that the Izu-Bonin subduction initiation belongs to spontaneous initiation,which implies that it started from extension,followed by low angle subduction.Numerical geodynamic modeling suggests that the initiation of plate subduction likely occurred along a transform fault,which put the young spreading ridge in direct contact with old oceanic crust.This,however,does not explain the simultaneous subduction initiation in the west Pacific region in the Cenozoic.Namely,the subduction initiations in the Izu-BoninMariana,the Aleutian,and the Tonga-Kermadec trenches are associated with oceanic crusts of different ages,yet they occurred at roughly the same time,suggesting that they were all triggered by a maj or change in the Pacific plate.Moreover,low angle subduction induces compression rather than extension,which requires external compression forces.Given that the famous Hawaiian-Emperor bending occurred roughly at the same time with the onset of westward subductions in the west Pacific,we propose that these Cenozoic subductions were initiated by the steering of the Pacific plate,which are classified as induced initiation.Induced subduction initiation usually occurs in young ocean basins,forming single-track subduction.The closure s of Neo-Tethys Oceans were likely triggered by plume s in the south,forming northward subductions.Interestingly,the Indian plate kept on moving northward more than 50 Ma after the collision between the Indian and Eurasian continents and the break-off of the subducted oceanic slab attached to it.This strongly suggests that slab pull is not the main driving force of plate tectonics,whereas slab sliding is.展开更多
Accurately characterizing the threedimensional geometric contacts between the crust of the Chinese mainland and adjacent regions is important for understanding the dynamics of this part of Asia from the viewpoint of g...Accurately characterizing the threedimensional geometric contacts between the crust of the Chinese mainland and adjacent regions is important for understanding the dynamics of this part of Asia from the viewpoint of global plate systems. In this pa per, a method is introduced to investigate the geometric contacts between the Eurasian and Indian plates at the Burma arc sub duction zone using earthquake source parameters based on the Slabl.0 model of Hayes et al. （2009, 2010）. The distribution of earthquake focus depths positioned in 166 sections along the Burma Arc subduction zone boundary has been investigated. Linear plane fitting and curved surface fitting has been performed on each section. Threedimensional geometric contacts and the extent of subduction are defined quantitatively. Finally, the focal depth distribution is outlined for six typical sections along the Burma arc subduction zone, combining focal mechanisms with background knowledge of geologic structure. Possible dy namic interaction patterns are presented and discussed. This paper provides an elementary method for studying the geometric contact of the Chinese mainland crust with adjacent plates and serves as a global reference for dynamic interactions between plates and related geodynamic investigations.展开更多
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDB18020303)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41590620 and 41890831).
文摘When plate tectonics started to occur on Earth and how it has evolved through time are two of the most fundamental questions in earth sciences. While gravity-driven subducting has been accepted as a critical condition for the operation of plate tectonics on Earth, it is intriguing how the dynamic regime and thermal state of subduction zones have affected the style of plate tectonics in Earth’s history. The metamorphic rocks of regional distribution along convergent plate boundaries record reworking of crustal rocks through dehydration and melting at lithospheric depths. The property of regional metamorphism is determined by both dynamic regime and thermal state of plate margins. The two variables have secularly evolved in Earth’s history, which is recorded by changes in the global distribution of metamorphic facies series through time. This results in two styles of plate tectonics. Modern-style plate tectonics has developed since the Neoproterozoic when plate margins were rigid enough for cold subducting, whereas ancient-style plate tectonics has developed since the Archean when plate margins were ductile enough for warm subducting. Such a difference is primarily dictated by higher mantle temperatures in the Archean than in the Phanerozoic. The development of plate subduction in both cold and warm realms is primarily dictated by the rheology of plate margins. This leads to a holistic model for the style of plate tectonics during different periods in Earth’s history.
基金supported by the NSFC(No.91328204,41421062)the Chinese Academy of Sciences(KZCX1-YW-15)
文摘Different models have been proposed for the formation and tectonic evolution of the South China Sea （SCS）, including extrusion of the Indochina Peninsula, backarc extension, two-stage opening, proto-SCS dragging, extension induced by a mantle plume, and integrated models that combine diverse factors. Among these, the extrusion model has gained the most attention. Based on simplified physical experiments, this model proposes that collision between the Indian and Eurasian Plates resulted in extrusion of the Indochina Peninsula, which in turn led to opening of the SCS. The extrusion of the Indochina Peninsula, however, should have led to preferential open- ing in the west side of the SCS, which is contrary to observations. Extensional models propose that the SCS was a backarc basin, rifted off the South China Block. Most of the backarc extension models, however, are not compatible with observations in terms of either age or subduction direction. The two-stage extension model is based on extensional basins surrounding the SCS. Recent dating results indeed show two-stage opening in the SCS, but the Southwest Subbasin of the SCS is much younger, which contradicts the two-stage extension model. Here we pro- pose a refined backarc extension model. There was a wide Neotethys Ocean between the Australian and Eurasian Plates before the Indian-Eurasian collision. The ocean floorstarted to subduct northward at ~ 125 Ma, causing backarc extension along the southem margin of the Eurasian Plate and the formation of the proto-SCS. The Neotethys sub- duction regime changed due to ridge subduction in the Late Cretaceous, resulting in fold-belts, uplifting, erosion, and widespread unconformities. It may also have led to the subduction of the proto-SCS. Flat subduction of the ridge may have reached further north and resulted in another backarc extension that formed the SCS. The rollback of the fiat subducting slab might have occurred ~ 90 Ma ago; the second backarc extension may have initiated between 50 and 45 Ma. The opening of
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
基金the Strategic Priority Research Program(B)of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDB42020203,XDB18020102)the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2016YFC0600408)the Taishan Scholar Program of Shandong(No.TS201712075)。
文摘The Indo-Pacific convergence region is the best target to solve the teo remaining challenges of the plate tectonics theory,i.e.,subduction initiation and the driving force of plate tectonics.Recent studies proposed that the Izu-Bonin subduction initiation belongs to spontaneous initiation,which implies that it started from extension,followed by low angle subduction.Numerical geodynamic modeling suggests that the initiation of plate subduction likely occurred along a transform fault,which put the young spreading ridge in direct contact with old oceanic crust.This,however,does not explain the simultaneous subduction initiation in the west Pacific region in the Cenozoic.Namely,the subduction initiations in the Izu-BoninMariana,the Aleutian,and the Tonga-Kermadec trenches are associated with oceanic crusts of different ages,yet they occurred at roughly the same time,suggesting that they were all triggered by a maj or change in the Pacific plate.Moreover,low angle subduction induces compression rather than extension,which requires external compression forces.Given that the famous Hawaiian-Emperor bending occurred roughly at the same time with the onset of westward subductions in the west Pacific,we propose that these Cenozoic subductions were initiated by the steering of the Pacific plate,which are classified as induced initiation.Induced subduction initiation usually occurs in young ocean basins,forming single-track subduction.The closure s of Neo-Tethys Oceans were likely triggered by plume s in the south,forming northward subductions.Interestingly,the Indian plate kept on moving northward more than 50 Ma after the collision between the Indian and Eurasian continents and the break-off of the subducted oceanic slab attached to it.This strongly suggests that slab pull is not the main driving force of plate tectonics,whereas slab sliding is.
基金supported by the National Science and Technology Support Plan Project (Grant No.2012BAK19B01-04)
文摘Accurately characterizing the threedimensional geometric contacts between the crust of the Chinese mainland and adjacent regions is important for understanding the dynamics of this part of Asia from the viewpoint of global plate systems. In this pa per, a method is introduced to investigate the geometric contacts between the Eurasian and Indian plates at the Burma arc sub duction zone using earthquake source parameters based on the Slabl.0 model of Hayes et al. （2009, 2010）. The distribution of earthquake focus depths positioned in 166 sections along the Burma Arc subduction zone boundary has been investigated. Linear plane fitting and curved surface fitting has been performed on each section. Threedimensional geometric contacts and the extent of subduction are defined quantitatively. Finally, the focal depth distribution is outlined for six typical sections along the Burma arc subduction zone, combining focal mechanisms with background knowledge of geologic structure. Possible dy namic interaction patterns are presented and discussed. This paper provides an elementary method for studying the geometric contact of the Chinese mainland crust with adjacent plates and serves as a global reference for dynamic interactions between plates and related geodynamic investigations.
