Melt evolution above a spontaneously retreating subducting slab in a three-dimensional model

Abstract

Dehydration of the subducting slab favors the melting of the surrounding mantle. Water content and melt evolution atop a spontaneously retreating subducting slab are reported in a three-dimensional (3-D) model. We find that fluids, including water and melts in the rocks, vary substantially along the trench, which cannot be found in two-dimensional (2-D) models. Their maxima along the subducting slab are mainly located at about 50 to 70 and 120 to 140 km. Volumetric melt production rate changes spatially and episodically atop the slab, which may reflect the intensity and variations of volcanoes.

Keywords

subduction / water and melt / three-dimensional model

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