The Influence of Crustal Rheology on Plate Subduction Based on Numerical Modeling Results

摘要

Computer simulation of subduction was performed using nonlinear equations of deformable solid mechanics encompassing all types of nonlinearity: geometric, physical, and contact. This study presents a numerical model of subduction with allowance for the gabbro-to-eclogite phase transition. The model rheology is a plastic compressible material (Mohr-Coulomb law for a deformed rock material). It was shown that deep subduction can be modeled well with the selection of appropriate parameters of rock plasticity providing the initial thickening in the subducting slab nose.