| Abstract: | Using the finite-element method to study the deflection of the oceanic lithosphere at subduction zones shows that deflection of an elastic-plastic model agrees with observed bathymetry data, except for 2 examples, Kermadec and Mariana, where the lithospheric behaviour remains elastic seaward of the trench. Seven of the cases we studied could be easily fitted and enabled us to compute an effective yield strength, the average value of which is about 3.8 to 4.8 kbar and seems to be the same in every case. |
