Abstract
Three-dimensional thermomechanical laboratory experiments of arc-continent collision investigate the deformation of the fore arc at the transition between collision and subduction. The deformation of the plates in the collision area propagates into the subduction-collision transition zone via along-strike coupling of the neighboring segments of the plate boundary. In our experiments, the largest along-strike gradient of trench-perpendicular compression does not produce sufficiently localized shear strain in the transition zone to form a strike-slip system because of the fast propagation of arc lithosphere failure. Deformation is continuous along-strike, but the deformation mechanism is three-dimensional. Progressive along-strike structural variations arise because coupling between neighboring segments induces either advanced or delayed failure of the arc lithosphere and passive margin.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1 - 15 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Tectonics |
Volume | 31 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2012 |