Slab pull force and shear stress of a subduction zone as inferred from elastic plate models

摘要

Shear stress characteristics of a subduction zone due to a slab pull force are investigated using elastic plate models. The finite element method is used. The plate is composed of oceanic plate, continental plate, and upper mantle. Transitional layers are assumed at the plate boundary (PB) and the upper mantle boundary (UMB). If the slab pull force is applied to the subducting oceanic plate, the positive shear stress zone increases at the deeper part of the oceanic plate while the negative shear stress zone increases at the inside of the continental plate. The effect of different plate boundary conditions on the stress state is also investigated.