The Impact of a Very Weak and Thin Upper Asthenosphere on Subduction Motions

Abstract

Recent geophysical observations report the presence of a very weak and thin upperasthenosphere underneath subducting oceanic plates at convergent margins. Along these margins, trenchmigrations are significantly slower than plate convergence rates. We use numerical models to assess therole of a weak upper asthenospheric layer on plate and trench motions. We show that the presence of thislayer alone can enhance an advancing trend for the motion of the plate and hamper trench retreat. Thismechanism provides a novel and alternative explanation for the slow rates of trench migration andfast-moving plates observed globally at natural subduction zones. Show more