Abstract
Abstract We have constructed a simple model of the deformation of the mantle wedge caused by the subducting and rotating slab based on corner flow model. By applying this model to the geological settings of the Somuncura plateau volcanic region, northern Patagonia, which is located far from the volcanic front, we constrain the mechanical aspect of the hypothesis that the volcanisms of the Somuncura region are triggered by the dehydration-induced melting of the up-warped transition zone which may contain more water than other regions do. Assuming that the water concentrates in the transition zone under the Somuncura plateau, we find that the above scenario may be possible, if the speed of the subducting slab is less than ∼2 cm/yr or the dip angle changes significantly (∼50 degrees within ∼8 Myr).
Highlights
Most of the volcanisms occur near and along the plate boundaries, we know the existence of volcanic activity far from the subduction zone and the ridge
The basic concept underlying in our model is the assumption of Orihashi et al (2005) that the melt may be derived from the transition zone which was once in the β phase of olivine
Even though the density-inversion occurs near the upper surface of the transition zone, the process of melt segregation and horizontal movement of the melt will control the subsequent behavior of the melt
Summary
Most of the volcanisms occur near and along the plate boundaries, we know the existence of volcanic activity far from the subduction zone and the ridge. Orihashi et al (2005) proposed an alternative hypothesis that the upward movement of the water-rich transition zone caused by the rotation of the slab surface and the subsequent dehydration-induced melting of the up-warped transition zone may be the origin of the above volcanic activity. This model is similar to the “wet” plume model proposed by Iwamori (1992) to explain the volcanisms in southeast Japan, he did not mention where the water came from. Following Batchelor (1967) and McKenzie (1968), we use cylindrical coordinate to describe
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