von Huene, Roland, Ranero, Cesar and Vannucchi, Paola (2003) Low Friction Subduction Erosion, A Model to Test With Ocean Drilling. [Talk] In: AGU Fall Meeting 2003. , 08.-12.12.2003, San Francisco, USA . EOS Transactions, 84 (46) .

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Abstract

Subduction erosion models commonly invoke concepts of high friction abrasion. We present a low friction model involving reduced strength from a disintegrating hydrofractured upper plate. Our model is constructed from features in high-resolution seafloor morphology, refraction and reflection seismic sections, and magnetic anomalies. It consists of a frontal prism and margin wedge upper plate underlain by a bend-faulted lower plate. The frontal prism maintains its modest width and taper in equilibrium with local conditions through feedback from subduction zone dip, friction along the decollement, and material strength. The prism elevates fluid pressure in the subducting plate forcing pore fluid into fractures above the plate interface thrust that hydrofract the underside of the upper plate margin wedge. Beneath the base of the slope, upper plate fracturing is aided by the up-and-down riffling over subducting topography. Progressive fracture and upward fluid migration shift the zone of least strength upward. The interplate thrust seeks the zone of least strength and shifts with the upward migrating fluid thereby detaching underlying upper plate material and transferring it to the lower plate. This process may begin at the seismogenic zone and progress updip to the landward part of the frontal prism. Beneath the lower slope fluid pressure and fracturing weaken the upper plate so that its strength decreases to the level of the subducting sediment. The model we propose can be tested with deep scientific ocean drilling.

Document Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Talk)
Research affiliation:	OceanRep > Geomar Research Center for Marine Geosciences OceanRep > SFB 574 OceanRep > SFB 574 > A2
Refereed:	No
Projects:	SFB574
International?:	Yes
Date Deposited:	07 Apr 2010 11:42
Last Modified:	03 Aug 2020 11:48
URI:	https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/227

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