A mechanical model for plate deformation associated with aseismic ridge subduction in the new hebrides arc |
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| Authors: | Chung Wai-Ying Hiroo Kanamori |
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| Institution: | Seismological Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, Calif. 91125 U.S.A. |
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| Abstract: | Tectonic features associated with a subducting fracture zone-aseismic ridge system in the New Hebrides island arc are investigated. Several notable features including a discontinuity of the trench, peculiar locations of two major islands (Santo and Malekula), regional uplift, and the formation of a basin are interpreted as a result of the subduction of a buoyant ridge system. The islands of Santo and Malekula are probably formed from an uplifted mid-slope basement high while the interarc basin of this particular arc is probably a subsiding basin instead of a basin formed by backarc opening. The situation can be modeled by using a thin elastic half plate overlying a quarter fluid space with a vertical upward loading applied at the plate edge. This model is consistent with topographic and geophysical data. This study suggests that subduction of aseismic ridges can have significant effects on tectonic features at consuming plate boundaries. |
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