Articles | Volume 8, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-8-339-2017
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-8-339-2017
Research article
 | 
24 Mar 2017
Research article |  | 24 Mar 2017

The subduction dichotomy of strong plates and weak slabs

Robert I. Petersen, Dave R. Stegman, and Paul J. Tackley

Viewed

Total article views: 3,018 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total BibTeX EndNote
1,687 1,173 158 3,018 153 175
  • HTML: 1,687
  • PDF: 1,173
  • XML: 158
  • Total: 3,018
  • BibTeX: 153
  • EndNote: 175
Views and downloads (calculated since 05 Apr 2016)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 05 Apr 2016)

Cited

Saved (final revised paper)

Discussed (final revised paper)

Latest update: 28 Mar 2024
Download
Short summary
In this study we propose a dichotomy in the strength profile of tectonic plates. This apparent dichotomy suggests that plates at the Earth's surface are significantly stronger, by orders of magnitude, than the subducted slabs in the Earth's interior. Strong plates promote single-sided, Earth-like subduction. Once subducted, strong slabs transmit dynamic stresses and disrupt subduction. Slabs which are weakened do not disrupt subduction and furthermore exhibit a variety of observed morphologies.