Subduction Rate Research Articles

The temporal evolution of subduction initiation in the Samail ophiolite: High‐precision U–Pb zircon petrochronology of the metamorphic sole

AbstractHigh‐precision dating of the metamorphic sole of ophiolites can provide insight into the tectonic evolution of ophiolites and subduction zone processes. To understand subduction initiation beneath a young, well‐preserved and well‐characterized ophiolite, we performed coupled zircon laser‐ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry trace element analyses and high‐precision isotope dilution‐thermal ionization mass spectrometry U–Pb dating on 25 samples from the metamorphic sole of the Samail ophiolite (Oman‐United Arab Emirates). Zircon grains from amphibolite‐ to granulite‐facies (0.8–1.3 GPa, ~700–900°C), garnet‐ and clinopyroxene‐bearing amphibolite samples (n = 18) show systematic trends of decreasing heavy rare earth element slope (HREE; Yb/Dy) with decreasing Yb concentration, reflecting progressive depletion of the HREE during prograde garnet growth. For half of the garnet‐clinopyroxene amphibolite samples, Ti‐in‐zircon temperatures increase, and U–Pb dates young with decreasing HREE slope, consistent with coupled zircon and garnet growth during prograde metamorphism. In the remaining samples, there is no apparent variation in Ti‐in‐zircon temperature with decreasing HREE slope, and the combined U–Pb and geochemical data suggest zircon crystallization along either the prograde to peak or prograde to initial retrograde portions of the metamorphic P–T–t path. The new data bracket the timing of prograde garnet and zircon growth in the highest grade rocks of the metamorphic sole between 96.698 ± 0.094 and 95.161 ± 0.064 Ma, in contrast with previously published geochronology suggesting prograde metamorphism at ~104 Ma. Garnet‐free amphibolites and leucocratic pods from lower grade (but still upper amphibolite facies) portions of the sole are uniformly HREE enriched (Yb/Dy > 5) and are ~0.5–1.3 Myr younger than the higher grade rocks from the same localities, constraining the temporal offset between the metamorphism and juxtaposition of the higher and lower grade units. Positive zircon εHf (+6.5 to +14.6) for all but one of the dated amphibolites are consistent with an oceanic basalt protolith for the sole. Our new data indicate that prograde sole metamorphism (96.7–95.2 Ma) immediately predated and overlapped growth of the overlying ophiolite crust (96.1–95.2 Ma). The ~600 ky offset between the onset of sole metamorphism in the northern portion of the ophiolite versus the start of ophiolite magmatism is an order of magnitude shorter than previously proposed (~8 Ma) and is consistent with either spontaneous subduction initiation or an abbreviated period of initial thrusting during induced subduction initiation. Taken together, the sole and ophiolite crust preserve a record of the first ~1.5 Myr of subduction. A gradient in the initiation of high‐grade metamorphism from the northwest (96.7 Ma) to southeast (96.0–95.7 Ma) may record propagation of the nascent subduction zone and/or variations in subduction rate along the length of the ophiolite.

Deep time spatio‐temporal data analysis using pyGPlates with PlateTectonicTools and GPlately

AbstractPyGPlates is an open‐source Python library to visualize and edit plate tectonic reconstructions created using GPlates. The Python API affords a greater level of flexibility than GPlates to interrogate plate reconstructions and integrate with other Python workflows. GPlately was created to accelerate spatio‐temporal data analysis leveraging pyGPlates and PlateTectonicTools within a simplified Python interface. This object‐oriented package enables the reconstruction of data through deep geologic time (points, lines, polygons and rasters), the interrogation of plate kinematic information (plate velocities, rates of subduction and seafloor spreading), the rapid comparison between multiple plate motion models, and the plotting of reconstructed output data on maps. All tools are designed to be parallel‐safe to accelerate spatio‐temporal analysis over multiple CPU processors.

High degree partial melting of the metasomatized mantle: A possible source for the Eocene-Oligocene porphyry Cu-Au-Mo deposits in Lut block, Eastern Iran

The small (<50 Mt) Eocene porphyry Cu-Au deposits of Maher abad and Khupic and the Oligocene Cu-Mo deposits of ChahShaljmi and DehSalam are attributed to the subduction of the Sistan ocean crust beneath the Lut block of eastern Iran. The calculated Ce4+/Ce3+ ratios of Dehsalm and ChahShaljami zircons are clustered around 10–50 and 75–155, and the values for Maher abad and Khupic are clustered around 120–300 and 50–150, respectively. The calculated logfO2 values indicate FMQ buffer conditions for Eocene and Oligocene magmas (ΔFMQ < 2; ΔFMQ −1.8 to + 0.6 ± ∼1.5 for ChahShaljami; ΔFMQ −1.3 to −0.4 ± ∼1.5 for Dehsalm, and ΔFMQ −3.2 to −2.1 ± ∼1.5 for Maher abad; ΔFMQ −2.6 to −1.3 ± ∼1.5 for Khupic), which never reached the ideal values of the worldwide giant to large porphyries (ΔFMQ < 4; HM buffer). The 30–60% partial melting of a slab (∼10–25% garnet) can explain ChahShaljami and Dehsalm, while it is > 60% partial melting of a slab (garnet > 50%) + ∼10% of metasomatized garnet-lherzolite (∼10% garnet) for Maher abad and Khupic. High partial melting of a slab has produced magma poor in copper in the magmatic subarc of the Lut block. Our zircon data and whole-rock geochemical characteristics of the Eocene and Oligocene ore-bearing intrusions along with the kinematics studies of the subduction zones are well consistent with a west-directed subduction system in eastern Iran. In such a system, a higher subduction rate > convergence rate causes deep steep subduction and in the continuation roll-back of the slab occurs in response to the opening and closing of the back-arc basin. This event caused the thinning of the Lut continental crust, mantle delamination and hot asthenospheric upwelling. The ascent of magmas resulting from the partial melting of a hydrous slab through a hot mantle and thinned continent caused widespread volcanism, and large amounts of water, sulfur and, volatiles were released to the atmosphere in an island arc regime during the middle-upper Eocene. The poor in metal low-volume magmas resulting from the high partial melting of a low water warm/hot deepest slab slightly metasomatized the mantle that subsequently amphibole-FC process with low contamination in the MASH zones and their emplacement during the transition from the island- to normal continental arc in the upper Eocene-Oligocene formed upper Eocene high-K calc-alkaline I/A-type (ferroan) arc magmatism and lower Oligocene adakite-like high-K calc-alkaline-Shoshonitic I-type (magnesian) arc magmatism, led to the formation of small Cu-Au and Cu-Mo porphyry deposits in Lut block, respectively. These events occur in a particular tectonic condition where subduction and collision were accompanied by rotation of the block affected by both Indo-Asian and Arabian-Eurasian collisions. Our study implies that W-directed subduction systems do not have favorable conditions for the formation of large porphyry deposits such as the ideal down-dip thermal gradient of the oceanic slab, water content, depth of dehydration, degree of partial melting of oceanic slab, and thickened continental crust.

Slab Morphology Around the Philippine Sea: New Insights From P‐Wave Mantle Tomography

AbstractWe apply seismic tomography to 590,213 P‐wave arrival‐time data of 23,486 local earthquakes and 300,051 relative travel‐time residuals of 27,492 teleseismic events to study the 3‐D velocity structure of the crust and upper mantle beneath the entire Philippine Sea Plate (PSP) and its adjacent areas. Our results reveal significant high‐velocity anomalies beneath the Philippine Trench, the Japan‐Izu‐Bonin‐Mariana Trench, and the Nankai Trough, which reflect the subducted Philippine Sea slab, the Pacific slab, and the Shikoku Basin, respectively. On the basis of the tomographic images, we construct morphological models of these slabs. The slab morphologies become complex from the east to west. Taking into account previous results of geochemistry, paleomagnetism and numerical simulations, we deem that the complicated morphologies of the subducted slabs are related to the slab age, subduction rate, collision between different plates, clockwise rotation of the PSP, and retreat rate of trenches.

An assessment of the subduction rate in the CMIP6 historical experiment

An assessment of the subduction rate in the CMIP6 historical experiment

Factors on the Mesozoic Transition From Flat to Steep Subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific Plate Beneath South China: Thickened Oceanic Crust and Subduction Rate

AbstractIn the Mesozoic, the age of Paleo‐Pacific plate that flatly subducted beneath the South China was ∼80 Ma, resulting in a cold and dense oceanic slab. The transition process from flat to steep subduction of this old slab and factors that affect it are still unclear. Using 2‐D thermomechanical numerical models, we investigate the dependence of the transition mode on the size of TOC (length and thickness) and the subduction rate. The results indicate that under low subduction rates (e.g., 1 cm/yr), even a 100‐km long eclogitized TOC can induce slab delamination beneath continental lithosphere. The maximum subduction rate for slab delamination to occur increases with an increasing length or thickness of TOC. However, when the subduction rate is over a certain critical value (e.g., ≥4 cm/yr), oceanic slab rolls back. The presence of the TOC delays the initial rollback time, as compared to cases with no TOC. In addition, with a TOC of small size (e.g., 100‐km length and 20‐km thickness) under a certain range of subduction rate, an 80‐Ma old slab can maintain a long‐lasting flat subduction. The comparisons between the numerical results and global plate motion models indicate that the northwestward motion of South China Block since ca. 195 ± 5 Ma induced the delamination of oceanic slab. The arrival of the TOC in the Paleo‐Pacific Plate to the continental arc should be later than the previously estimated ca. 250 Ma. Determination of the TOC size requires three‐dimensional simulations and more detailed geological records.

The Origin and Fate of Antarctic Intermediate Water in the Southern Ocean

Abstract Using observationally based hydrographic and eddy diffusivity datasets, a volume budget analysis is performed to identify the main mechanisms governing the spatial and seasonal variability of Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) within the density range γn = (27.25–27.7) kg m−3 in the Southern Ocean. The subduction rates and water mass transformation rates by mesoscale and small-scale turbulent mixing are estimated. First, Ekman pumping upwells the dense variety of AAIW into the mixed layer south of the Polar Front, which can be advected northward by Ekman transport into the subduction regions of lighter-variety AAIW and Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW). The subduction of light AAIW occurs mainly by lateral advection in the southeast Pacific and Drake Passage as well as eddy-induced flow between the Subantarctic and Polar Fronts. The circumpolar-integrated total subduction yields from −5 to 19 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) of AAIW volume loss. Second, the diapycnal transport from subducted SAMW into the AAIW layer is predominantly by mesoscale mixing (2–13 Sv) near the Subantarctic Front and vertical mixing in the South Pacific, while AAIW is further replenished by transformation from Upper Circumpolar Deep Water by vertical mixing (1–10 Sv). Last, 3–14 Sv of AAIW are exported out of the Southern Ocean. Our results suggest that the distribution of AAIW is set by its formation due to subduction and mixing, and its circulation eastward along the ACC and northward into the subtropical gyres. The volume budget analysis reveals strong seasonal variability in the rate of subduction, vertical mixing, and volume transport driving volume change within the AAIW layer. The nonzero volume budget residual suggests that more observations are needed to better constrain the estimate of geostrophic flow and mesoscale and small-scale mixing diffusivities.

Does tectonic deformation control episodic continental arc magmatism? Evidence from granitic magnetic fabrics (AMS)

This paper applies magnetic fabric analyses to plutons of the East Pacific continental arc. Continental arc magmatism is strongly episodic, with voluminous granitic magma addition occurring during discrete high-flux events (‘flare-ups’). The cause of these flare-ups is debated, variously invoking tectonic, mantle, or crustal controls. To understand how the syn-magmatic strain history changes during a flare-up, we compare granitic magnetic fabric (Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility, AMS) and geochronological data from the Antarctic Peninsula (Lassiter Coast), Sierra Nevada, and Chile. This comparison indicates a common pattern in orientation and magnitude of syn-magmatic deformation, showing flare-up events occur during increased tectonic compression driven by enhanced interplate coupling and fast subduction. Flare-ups terminate as tectonic compression reduces or the regime becomes extensional, even if convergence rates remain high. As with enhanced seismicity, magmatic flare-ups result from high tectonic compression, during discrete periods of enhanced interplate coupling within broader periods of increased subduction rates. The enhanced magmatic flux results either from crustal thickening leading to partial melting of a newly accreted, hydrous mafic underplate, enhanced melt segregation in the source, or in response to high tectonic compression rendering lithostatic compression the weakest compressive force, enhancing magma extraction and ascent from the mantle.

The Effect of a Weak Asthenospheric Layer on Surface Kinematics, Subduction Dynamics and Slab Morphology in the Lower Mantle

AbstractOn Earth, the velocity at which subducting plates are consumed at their trenches (termed “subduction rate” herein) is typically 3 times higher than trench migration velocities. The subduction rate is also 5 times higher than estimated lower mantle slab sinking rates. Using simple kinematic analyses, we show that if this present‐day “kinematic state” operated into the past, the subducting lithosphere should have accumulated and folded beneath near‐stationary trenches. These predictions are consistent with seismic tomography, which images localized and widened lower‐mantle slab piles. They are, however, at odds with most dynamic‐subduction models, which predict rapid trench retreat and inclined slabs in the mantle transition zone. We test the hypothesis that a weak asthenospheric layer (WAL), between the lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary and 220 km depth, compatible with geophysical constraints, can remedy the discrepancies between numerical models and observations. The WAL lubricates the base of the lithosphere, increases the subduction rate while reducing trench retreat. As a consequence, simulations featuring a WAL predict slab accumulation at the mantle transition zone, and thicker, folded slabs in the lower mantle. A WAL viscosity only 2–5 times lower than that of the adjacent mantle is sufficient to shift subduction regimes toward a mode of vertical slab sinking and folding beneath near‐stationary trenches, across a wide range of model parameters, producing surface and slab velocities close to those observed at the present‐day. These findings provide support for the existence of a weak asthenosphere beneath Earth's lithosphere, complementing independent evidence from various geophysical data.

Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Bohai Bay Basin: Constraints from strike-slip activities of the Wangjiagang fault zone, NE China

The Wangjiagang (WJG) fault zone is regarded as the northward propagation of the Tan-Lu fault zone (TLFZ) in the Bohai Bay Basin (BBB). We used three-dimensional seismic and borehole data, as well as structure and isopach maps, to describe the structural properties and tectonic development of the WJG fault zone. The properties and thickness of the mechanical layer are the principal factors of differences in the deformation of the strike-slip fault zone. Extensional tectonics and strike-slip faulting occurred in WJG. Not only does strike-slip faulting regulate sand body distribution, but it also plays a critical role in oil migration. WJG provides a record of the tectonic evolution of the BBB and how it responded to plate interactions around the Pacific-Eurasian-Indian plates and/or the strike-slip faulting of the TLFZ. The BBB extended in the early Paleocene as a result of relative relaxation between the Pacific and Eurasian plates and the upwelling of the asthenosphere mantle. Before and after the late Eocene (ca. 42 Ma), the tectonic stress regimes at a nearly N-S-oriented extensional to dextral strike-slip faulting along TLFZ coincided with the strike-slip faulting of the pre-existing fault in WJG. The Pacific Plate's change in direction and rate of subduction, as well as the far-field effect of a hard collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates, caused the TLFZ's two walls to move in opposite directions. The resulting force couple caused a strong simple shear in the TLFZ and adjacent areas, including the WJG fault zone.

Effects of Ocean Chlorophyll on the Mode Water Subduction Rate in the Northwestern and Central Pacific Ocean

The effects of ocean chlorophyll on the mode water subduction rate in the subtropical mode water (STMW) and central mode water (CMW) in Pacific Ocean are investigated by performing two ocean-only experiments, using two different solar radiation penetration schemes, one with and one without chlorophyll effects. The biological impacts on mixed layer depth (MLD), upper ocean temperature and density are analyzed. Results show that the subduction rates of both STMW and CMW are increased with the effects of ocean chlorophyll. The increase in the subduction rate is mainly caused by the increased lateral induction term, which is related to larger MLD gradient in early spring in the chlorophyll experiment.

Thermal simulation of migration mechanism of the Halmahera volcanic arc, Indonesia

• A thermal evolution model is proposed to explain the activity of the Halmahera volcanic arc. • Our results can explain why there are magmatic gaps and volcanic arc migration during subduction and rollback. • The thermal simulation results show that a smaller subduction rate or a larger convergence rate are favorable to the occurrence of island arc magmatism. The Halmahera volcanic arc has experienced intermittent volcanic activity and location migration since the Pliocene. Two factors affect the volcanic arc magmatism. One is the dehydration depth of hornblende in the oceanic crust and serpentinite in the lithospheric mantle in the subducted slab. The other is the subducted slab and mantle wedge temperature structure, controlled by the subduction rate and plate convergence rate. Thermal simulation results show that conditions are favorable to the occurrence of island arc magmatism at a lower subduction rate with the same convergence rate, or at a higher convergence rate with the same subduction rate. The Miocene–Pliocene favored the occurrence of island arc magmatism in the high temperature region, because there was a lower subduction rate beneath the Halmahera volcanic arc. After the Middle Pliocene, there was cessation of volcanic activity and a volcanic gap, with subsidence of the mantle wedge high temperature region, increase of the partial melting depth, and decrease of the melting amount, because there was an increased subduction rate beneath the Halmahera volcanic arc and a decreased westward convergence rate of the eastern microplate fragments. In the Holocene, the Halmahera arc moved to a new location and resumed volcanic activity. It is because continuous arc–arc collision blocked the westward movement of the Halmahera volcanic arc, the relative convergence rate of the eastern microplate increased, which resulted in the formation of a high temperature region favorable to island arc magmatism.

Quasi-Biennial Variability of Indian Ocean Subtropical Mode Water Subduction Driven by Atmospheric Circulation Modes during the Argo Period

Abstract Argo data were used to investigate interannual variability in the subduction rate of the Indian Ocean Subtropical Mode Water (IOSTMW). The IOSTMW subduction rate in the southwestern part of the southern Indian Ocean subtropical circulation varies substantially from year to year without significant trend during the Argo period 2005–19. The variability of the IOSTMW subduction rate is quasi-biennial and dominated by the lateral induction term associated with the wintertime mixed layer depth (MLD). The contribution of vertical pumping to the change of subduction rate is relatively small. This variability in the subduction rate directly contributes to IOSTMW volume with a quasi-biennial variation. The quasi-biennial variations in the IOSTMW subduction and volume reflect the variability of the overlying atmosphere. The wintertime Mascarene high (MH) modulates the winter MLD in the subduction area through changes in heat fluxes and wind forcing. The quasi-biennial variability in MH is associated with the southern annular mode, but it was disturbed during two El Niño events in 2009 and 2015/16. Variability of the wintertime MH plays a key role in driving the quasi-biennial variability of the IOSTMW subduction during the Argo period.

Deformation along the Deseado Massif (Patagonia, Argentina) during the Jurassic Period and its relationship with the Gondwana breakup: paleomagnetic and geochronological constraints

This work presents the analysis of paleomagnetic results obtained from four sampling areas of the Jurassic Bahía Laura Complex in the Deseado Massif and their implications on the regional deformation history during the breakup of Gondwana. Paleomagnetic data show cessation of tectonic block rotations about vertical axes around 160 Ma and a change from a transtensional to a mainly extensional tectonic regime. Two biotite samples yielded 40Ar–39Ar radiometric ages: one from the eastern outcrops of the Chon Aike Formation (plateau age of 184.66 ± 0.55 Ma) and the other from the La Matilde Formation (plateau age of 157.40 ± 0.65 Ma), located at the central part of the Deseado Massif. Finally, an apparent polar wander path (APWP) was calculated for the Jurassic of South America (200 to 140 Ma). This APWP indicates that South America experienced a northward drift between 200 Ma and 170 Ma, a clockwise rotation (~10°) between 170 Ma and 160 Ma, and a westward drift between 160 Ma and 140 Ma. The 170–160 Ma rotation could has been triggered by the combined effects of the uncoupling of the Antarctic Peninsula, the high rates of subduction of the Phoenix plate beneath Patagonia, the opening of the Rocas Verdes basin and the Weddell Sea, and the cessation of the Tethys slab-pull. Furthermore, the calculated APWP for South America does not support a Jurassic massive true polar wander event.

Multi-proxy evidence for subduction of the Neoproterozoic Adamastor Ocean and Wilson cycle tectonics in the South Atlantic Brasiliano Orogenic System of Western Gondwana

Field, petrographic, geophysical, geochronological, elemental and isotopic data support the identification of distinct components of a Wilson cycle (rift-drift-subduction-collision-collapse) in the South Atlantic Brasiliano Orogenic System (Mantiqueira Province). The main lines of evidence are: 1) Tonian-Cryogenian ophiolite complexes; 2) Hundreds of Hf-Nd-Sr isotope determinations indicating a temporal trend of juvenile to mixed Tonian-Cryogenian-Ediacaran igneous rocks comprising expanded calc-alkaline, magnesian, metaluminous gabbro-tonalite-granodiorite-granite/basalt-dacite-andesite-rhyolite series, developed in island arcs and in continental-margin (Andean-type) arcs; 3) Cratonic-sourced conglomerate-diamictite-sandstone-pelite-carbonate successions deposited in Tonian-Cryogenian rift-passive margins fringing the paleocontinental borders, covered by orogenic basins with contrasting provenance from the arc systems; 4) Paired negative-positive Bouguer anomalies typical of suture zones with ophiolite-bearing accretionary prisms in the lower plate and arc systems in the upper plate; 5) Paired HP/HTmetamorphic belts associated with Ediacaran suture zones and retro-eclogites associated with Tonian subduction. Proposed intracontinental models for this region, both original and revisited, are based on the visual interpretation of restricted space for an oceanic realm and rely on calculations using presumed spreading and subduction rates. However, those do not account for a number of pre-, syn- and post-collisional modifications of the original paleogeography and for plate configurations over a curved planetary surface, with asynchroneity of extensional, accretionary and collisional events over thousands-of-km long orogenic fronts. Scissor-shaped oceanic basins are the rule rather than the exception, with connection of (i) an aulacogen to (ii) a partially enclosed gulf that is, in turn, connected to (iii) an open ocean with complex subduction systems. This configuration leads, after closure of the oceanic realm, to the gradation found in the South Atlantic Brasiliano Orogenic System, with (i) an inverted rift (Paramirim) connected to (ii) a confined orogen with a pre-collisional continental-margin Andean-type arc (Araçuaí), connected, in turn, to (iii) complex accretionary-collisional orogens (Ribeira and Dom Feliciano) with accreted juvenile pre-collisional island arc terranes. This arrangement characterizes, thus, a prime example of a typical subduction-collision orogenic system. The various lines of evidence from distinct fields coherently indicate a full Wilson Cycle with generation and consumption of the Adamastor oceanic lithosphere, followed by continental collisions, ultimately giving birth to the Gondwana paleocontinent.

U-Pb geochronology and isotopic geochemistry of adakites and related magmas in the Ediacaran arc section of the SW Iberian Massif: The role of subduction erosion cycles in peri-Gondwanan arcs

In the peri-Gondwanan Ediacaran arc section outcropping in the SW of the Iberian Massif (Mérida region), changes in the subduction angle and subduction rate, variable participation of highly modified mantle sources together with the role of old crustal material and juvenile mafic rocks driven by the incoming slab, occur with a recognizable cyclicality and can be traced according to the geochronology, geochemistry and isotopic sources of the magmatic bodies. Our results support the initial existence of a mantle wedge highly modified due to percolation of significant volumes of variably old crustal materials, whose isotopic sources are almost identical to those found in the oldest known metasedimentary sequence described in SW Iberian Massif, the Serie Negra Group. Old crustal sources, analogous to those of this series were introduced to high depths by common subduction an also probably by significant subduction erosion. During the oldest period recorded in the study arc section, between c. 602 and c. 550 Ma, subduction episodes that involve high rates of crustal material along with an eventual incorporation of mafic and ultramafic materials from the incoming oceanic plate, favoured by low subduction angles, lead to the generation of more silicic magmas with adakitic geochemical affinity and isotopic signature (Nd-Sr) with crustal tendency. However, an increase in the subduction angle and change to a roll-back stage dated at c. 540 Ma, caused significant decrease in the access of cortical material to the subduction channel, favouring generation of typical calc-alkaline magmas derived from the modified mantle wedge, which is also consistent with more juvenile Nd-Sr ratios. The correlation found between the magmatic events and the involved tectonic processes suggests that subduction erosion mechanisms have been very likely underestimated as active dynamic processes along the peri-Gondwana margin during at least Neoproterozoic to Early Cambrian times.

Weakening and Poleward Shifting of the North Pacific Subtropical Fronts from 1980 to 2018

Abstract Recent evidence shows that the North Pacific subtropical gyre and the Kuroshio Extension (KE) and Oyashio Extension (OE) fronts have moved poleward in the past few decades. However, changes of the North Pacific Subtropical Fronts (STFs), anchored by the North Pacific subtropical countercurrent in the southern subtropical gyre, remain to be quantified. By synthesizing observations, reanalysis, and eddy-resolving ocean hindcasts, we show that the STFs, especially their eastern part, weakened (20% ± 5%) and moved poleward (1.6° ± 0.4°) from 1980 to 2018. Changes of the STFs are modified by mode waters to the north. We find that the central mode water (CMW) (180°–160°W) shows most significant weakening (18% ± 7%) and poleward shifting (2.4° ± 0.9°) trends, while the eastern part of the subtropical mode water (STMW) (160°E–180°) has similar but moderate changes (10% ± 8%; 0.9° ± 0.4°). Trends of the western part of the STMW (140°–160°E) are not evident. The weakening and poleward shifting of mode waters and STFs are enhanced to the east and are mainly associated with changes of the northern deep mixed layers and outcrop lines—which have a growing northward shift as they elongate to the east. The eastern deep mixed layer shows the largest shallowing trend, where the subduction rate also decreases the most. The mixed layer and outcrop line changes are strongly coupled with the northward migration of the North Pacific subtropical gyre and the KE/OE jets as a result of the poleward expanded Hadley cell, indicating that the KE/OE fronts, mode waters, and STFs change as a whole system.

Indian Ocean Subtropical Underwater and the Interannual Variability in Its Annual Subduction Rate Associated with the Southern Annular Mode

Abstract In this study, the Indian Ocean Subtropical Underwater (IOSTUW) was investigated as a subsurface salinity maximum using Argo floats (2000–20) for the first time. It has mean salinity, potential temperature, and potential density values of 35.54 ± 0.29 psu, 17.91° ± 1.66°C, and 25.56 ± 0.35 kg m−3, respectively, and mainly extends between 10° and 30°S along the isopycnal surface in the subtropical south Indian Ocean. The annual subduction rate of the IOSTUW during the period of 2004–19 was investigated based on a gridded Argo dataset. The results revealed a mean value of 4.39 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) with an interannual variability that is closely related to the southern annular mode (SAM). The variation in the annual subduction rate of the IOSTUW is dominated by the lateral induction term, which largely depends on the winter mixed layer depth (MLD) in the sea surface salinity (SSS) maximum region. The anomalies of winter MLD are primarily determined by SAM-related air–sea heat flux and zonal wind anomalies through modulation of the buoyancy. As a result, the annual subduction rate of the IOSTUW generally increased when the SAM index showed negative anomalies and decreased when the SAM index showed positive anomalies. Exceptional cases occurred when the wind anomaly within the SSS maximum region was weak or was dominated by its meridional component. Significance Statement The Indian Ocean Subtropical Underwater (IOSTUW) is characterized as a subsurface salinity maximum in the subtropical south Indian Ocean, and it has potential contribution to regional sea level change and interoceanic salinity exchange. The purpose of this work is to give a more precise description of the IOSTUW and to better understand the formation process of this water mass. Our results shine new light on hydrological characteristics of the IOSTUW based on an observational dataset collected during the past two decades. In addition, the formation of the IOSTUW was found to be closely related to the leading mode of variability in the atmospheric circulation of the Southern Hemisphere though air–sea heat flux and surface wind anomaly.

Deviation of the Lagrangian particle tracing method in the evaluation of the Southern Hemisphere annual subduction rate

Deviation of the Lagrangian particle tracing method in the evaluation of the Southern Hemisphere annual subduction rate

Role of double-subduction dynamics in the topographic evolution of the Sunda Plate

SUMMARY The Sunda Plate has shaped itself in a complex tectonic framework, driven by the interactions of multiple subduction zones in its history. Using thermomechanical computational fluid dynamic models we show in this paper how the in-dip double-subduction dynamics has controlled the first-order 3-D topography of this plate, currently bounded by two major N–S trending active trenches: Andaman–Sumatra–Java and Philippines on its western and eastern margins, respectively. We consider six E–W transects to account for an along-trench variation of the subduction parameters: subduction rate (Vc), shallow-depth (200–300 km) slab dip (α) and intertrench distance (ITD, λ) in our 2-D numerical experiments. The deviatoric stress fields and the topographic patterns are found to strongly depend on λ. For large ITDs (λ = 2000–3000 km), the overriding plate develops dominantly tensile stresses in its central zone, forming low topographic elevations. Decreasing λ results in a transition from extensional to contractional deformation, and promotes topographic uplift in the southern part. We explain these effects of λ in terms of the sublithospheric flow vortex patterns produced by the subducting slabs. Large λ (&amp;gt; 2000 km) generates non-interacting flow vortices, located close to the two trenches, leaving the mantle region beneath the overriding plate weakly perturbed. In contrast, small λ results in their strong interaction to produce a single upwelling zone, which facilitates the overriding plate to gain a higher topographic elevation. The stress field predicted from our model is validated with the observed stress patterns. We also interpolate a 3-D topographic surface and vertical uplift rates from the serial model sections, and compare them with the observed surface topography of the Sunda Plate.