A new model of slab tear of the subducting Philippine Sea Plate associated with Kyushu–Palau Ridge subduction

Abstract

We suggest that the Kyushu–Palau Ridge (KPR) plays a key role in the subduction process of the Philippine Sea Plate (PSP) and the origin of the Abu volcano in the southwestern Japan. The 3-D P-wave velocity structure was imaged to approximately 300km beneath the Abu volcano using a large number of P-wave arrivals from local earthquakes and teleseismic events. Our results indicate that a high-velocity anomaly beneath the Abu volcano is associated with the subducting PSP; however, the anomaly is not continuous, being interrupted apparently by a low-velocity anomaly zone extending northwestwards from 80km to great depth. The PSP appears to be tearing and then forms a ‘slab window’ corresponding to KPR subduction at ca. 2Ma. The low-velocity anomaly may indicate hot upper mantle material rising through the slab window and causing partial melting both of the lower crust of the overriding plate and the oceanic crust of the subducted KPR. A new model is presented for slab tearing of the PSP associated with the subduction of the buoyant, wide and thick KPR and directional change in the motion of the plate, contributing to better understanding of the Abu volcanism.