Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Grace M. Beaudoin, Jaime D. Barnes, Timm John, J. Elis Hoffmann, Rudra Chatterjee, Daniel F. Stockli
Summary: This study compares bulk halogen concentrations in subducted altered ocean crust and exhumed eclogites to investigate the cycling and decoupling behavior of halogens during subduction. The results reveal that different halogens are preferentially incorporated by different types of rocks during hydrothermal alteration of ocean crust, and fluorine behaves compatibly during prograde metamorphism. Mass balance estimates indicate substantial loss of halogens between the trench and eclogite facies during subduction.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Tanner Acquisto, Anne Becel, Satish C. Singh, Helene Carton
Summary: This study analyzes seismic data from the Alaskan and South Sumatran subduction zones using advanced techniques, revealing significant hydration in the upper crustal layers of both areas. Favorable conditions near Alaska promote fluid infiltration, increasing the average water content in the outer rise, while heterogeneous hydration near Sumatra may be associated with complex crustal deformation.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xuhui Wang, Xinghai Lang, Reiner Klemd, Yulin Deng, Juxing Tang
Summary: The study investigates the Permian-Triassic magmatism in the Lhasa Terrane through integrated geochemical and geochronological studies, proposing that collision-induced subduction transference may have triggered the subduction of the Neo-Tethys oceanic lithosphere. The magmatic rocks during the Early Permian and Late Triassic exhibit arc-related signatures, indicating northward subduction of Sumdo Paleo-Tethys and Neo-Tethys oceanic slabs respectively. The shift from alkaline to calc-alkaline magmatism within the SLT reflects a geodynamic transition from lithospheric extension to Andean-style orogenesis.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Ling-Zhi Hu, Jin-Ting Kang, Yu-Han Qi, Yong-Jun Gao, Xiao-Yun Nan, Jian Huang, Fang Huang
Summary: This study investigates the Ca isotope compositions of altered oceanic crust (AOC) from site 1256 of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP). The rocks from different sections of the crust show varying Ca isotope compositions, suggesting interactions between lower crusts and evolved fluids. The results indicate that the recycling of fast-spreading AOC may not significantly impact Ca isotope variations in the mantle.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Nester Korolev, Larisa P. Nikitina, Alexey Goncharov, Elena O. Dubinina, Aleksey Melnik, Dirk Mueller, Yi-Xiang Chen, Vladimir N. Zinchenko
Summary: The research into 22 mantle eclogite xenoliths from the Catoca pipe used reconstructed whole-rock and mineral compositions, as well as new oxygen isotope data, to understand their genesis and evolution. The eclogites from Catoca were classified into three groups based on their mineralogical and major-element compositions. The findings suggest that the mantle eclogites represent different lithologies and protoliths, yet show similar oxygen isotope signatures due to subduction-related processes. Additionally, high-Mg# eclogites exhibited a complex petrogenesis with evidence of deep metasomatic alteration.
JOURNAL OF PETROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
D. D. Syverson, C. T. Reinhard, T. T. Isson, C. H. Holstege, J. A. R. Katchinoff, B. M. Tutolo, B. Etschmann, J. Brugger, N. J. Planavsky
Summary: The study demonstrates that submarine weathering under anoxic conditions is a significant source of bioavailable phosphorus, with a release ratio comparable to modern rivers. This suggests that Earth-like planets lacking exposed continents may have robust biospheres capable of sustaining detectable atmospheric biosignatures.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Geology
Shucheng Wu, Yingjie Yang, Yixian Xu, Juan Carlos Afonso, Anqi Zhang
Summary: The recycling of oceanic lithosphere at subduction zones is a fundamental geodynamic process. While it is believed that old oceanic slabs are consumed entirely in subduction zones, recent studies suggest that small pieces may be trapped along ancient subduction zones. This study provides seismic evidence for a preserved paleo-oceanic lithosphere beneath the Junggar region in China, suggesting that significant portions of paleo-oceanic lithosphere can contribute to continental growth.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jinping Liu, Xianzhi Cao, Yanhui Suo, Ruixin Zhang, Zhaoxia Jiang, Jie Zhou, Xiyao Li, Ian Somerville, Sanzhong Li
Summary: By summarizing previous studies, we propose the characteristics and genetic model of microplates, which provide insights into plate origin, intraplate deformation, and plate driving force. Subduction-derived Oceanic Microplates (SOMs) are formed in the footwall of the subduction system and bounded by spreading ridges, trenches, and transform faults. Large SOMs may fragment further due to buoyancy of young oceanic crust and subduction velocity difference. Subduction-derived Continental Microplates (SCM) originate from intra-oceanic plate with continental lithosphere and are typically found in the orogenic belt bounded by suture zones. The presence of subduction zones is conducive to seafloor spreading near continental margins.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Kan Li, Long Li
Summary: Uptake of nitrogen during hydrothermal alteration of oceanic crust makes it a significant N reservoir. However, the N characteristics of moderate- to high-temperature altered gabbroic oceanic crust have been rarely studied. Through analyzing the N concentrations and isotope compositions of gabbroic rocks from three oceans, it was found that they have similar N characteristics to altered basalts and mainly derive from seawater. These findings are crucial for calculating global N input flux and modeling N quantities released to the deep mantle.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Eduardo Contreras-Reyes, Sebastian Obando-Orrego, Ingo Grevemeyer
Summary: This study uses simultaneous P- and S-wave data to investigate the seismic structure of the oceanic crust. The results show different seismic properties at different locations, indicating hydrothermal alteration and compaction processes. The abrupt change in seismic properties at the layer 2/3 transition is attributed to epidotization and crack-change properties.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2023)
Article
Geology
Shengping Qian, Xiaozhi Zhang, Jonny Wu, Serge Lallemand, Alexander R. L. Nichols, Chiyue Huang, Daniel P. Miggins, Huaiyang Zhou
Summary: The tectonic history of the Philippine Sea plate and the geochemical data from lavas in the Gagua Ridge are essential in understanding the formation and evolution of the Huatung Basin in early Cretaceous. The presence of continental material in the GR basement and the transport of continental slivers from the Cathaysian block to Southeast Asia suggest a more complex tectonic history in the region. It is inferred that the Huatung Basin is a remnant of a Mesozoic-aged ocean basin that dispersed from southern China during the Cretaceous.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Nikola Stankovic, Taras Gerya, Vesna Cvetkov, Vladica Cvetkovic
Summary: The ophiolites of the Balkan Peninsula, including the Western and Eastern Vardar ophiolites, are believed to have formed due to the closure of the Vardar branch of the Tethys Ocean. This study uses numerical modeling to test the hypothesis that a single intra-oceanic subduction can explain the origin and emplacement of both ophiolite belts. The results suggest that the subduction can account for the westward obduction of the Western Vardar ophiolites and the complex active margin processes along the western rim of the European plate.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
I. N. Bindeman, J. O'Neil
Summary: This study investigates the hydrothermally altered oceanic crust from the Nuvvuagittuq greenstone belt in Canada, providing valuable insights into the early hydrosphere of the Earth. The findings suggest that the ancient oceanic crust underwent hydrothermal alteration at low temperatures similar to modern submarine oceanic sections. The results also reveal the isotopic compositions of the early oceans and the potential role of submarine weathering and hydrothermal silicification in the Eoarchean world.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Ikuo Katayama, Masaki Yoshida, Ken-ichi Hirauchi
Summary: This study investigates the effects of rheological stratification and elasticity of lithosphere on plate subduction initiation, finding that the formation of thermal cracks and penetration of seawater played a crucial role in the initiation of plate subduction on the early Earth.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. L. Perchuk, T. Gerya, V. S. Zakharov, W. L. Griffin
Summary: The partial melting of mantle peridotites is a global process that forms oceanic crust and refractory residues, which enter subduction zones in the modern Earth. However, in the early Earth, the depleted peridotites were more voluminous and their role in controlling subduction regimes remains unclear. Modeling suggests that differing mantle temperatures can lead to different styles of lithospheric tectonics, with the amount of depleted peridotites in the upper mantle varying over geological time scales.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Ravit Helled, Stephanie Werner, Caroline Dorn, Tristan Guillot, Masahiro Ikoma, Yuichi Ito, Mihkel Kama, Tim Lichtenberg, Yamila Miguel, Oliver Shorttle, Paul J. Tackley, Diana Valencia, Allona Vazan
Summary: The Ariel ESA mission aims to measure the atmospheric composition of exoplanets to better understand their bulk compositions. This will advance exoplanet characterisation and provide new insights into the nature of planets in our galaxy.
EXPERIMENTAL ASTRONOMY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
L. Husson, N. Riel, S. Aribowo, C. Authemayou, G. de Gelder, B. J. P. Kaus, C. Mallard, D. H. Natawidjaja, K. Pedoja, A. C. Sarr
Summary: This study investigates the relationships between mantle convection, tectonic activity, and morphotectonic changes by exploring the Java-Banda subduction zone. The results reveal that despite the sluggish mantle flow, the docking of the Australian continent onto the subduction zone triggers intense tectonic activity and profound morphotectonic changes.
GEOCHEMISTRY GEOPHYSICS GEOSYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
S. M. Langemeyer, J. P. Lowman, P. J. Tackley
Summary: More than two decades of research have made progress in generating plate-like surface behavior in models of mantle convection. The properties required for dynamic plates from mantle convection have been widely recognized and used in both 2-D and 3-D geometries. Studying the properties needed to obtain deep mantle features with LLSVP-like characteristics has become a topic of interest. The study focuses on discovering the properties that can produce a detached pair of 3-D features different from the ambient mantle.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
A. Spang, M. Burton, B. J. P. Kaus, F. Sigmundsson
Summary: This study uses numerical modeling results to quantify the ground deformation caused by volatile reservoirs, highlighting the crucial role of volatile-driven buoyancy in volcano deformation and the significant impact of shallow volatile accumulation and release on ground deformation of volcanoes.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yang Li, Frederic Deschamps, Zhidong Shi, Joshua M. Guerrero, Wen-Pin Hsieh, Liang Zhao, Paul J. Tackley
Summary: The composition-dependent thermal conductivity of primordial dense material has a secondary role in the long-term evolution of Earth's mantle, but if the material is enriched in heat-producing elements, it slightly affects the height and coverage of these reservoirs.
EARTH PLANETS AND SPACE
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xavier Borgeat, Paul J. Tackley
Summary: Research has shown that impacts can have a significant impact on early Earth's tectonics and mantle mixing, including triggering subduction and increasing compositional heterogeneity in the mantle. In cases of stagnant-lid tectonics, impacts can shift the behavior to plate-like regimes, but this change is temporary.
PROGRESS IN EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Laetitia Lebec, Stephane Labrosse, Adrien Morison, Paul J. Tackley
Summary: The presence of a high-pressure ice layer between the silicate core and the liquid ocean in large icy moons and ocean worlds has been considered as a hindrance to habitability. However, recent studies have challenged this view and demonstrated the possibility of nutrient transfer under specific conditions. Our study takes into account the dynamical implications of the phase equilibrium at the ice-ocean interface, which allows exchanges between the high-pressure ice layer and the liquid ocean. We propose a scaling relationship between the bottom temperature, top vertical velocity, and Rayleigh number, considering different values of a dimensionless parameter phi.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Harry A. Ballantyne, Martin Jutzi, Gregor J. Golabek, Lokesh Mishra, Kar Wai Cheng, Antoine B. Rozel, Paul J. Tackley
Summary: A giant impact is suggested as the explanation for the Martian Dichotomy, with recent studies favoring a hybrid origin caused by impact-induced crust-production. This study uses a large suite of impact simulations and a sophisticated geophysical scheme to investigate the feasibility of a giant impact on either hemisphere of Mars. The results suggest that a cannonical Borealis-forming impact is not possible, but instead favor an impact and subsequent localised magma ocean in the southern hemisphere that results in a thicker crust than the north.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nicolas Riel, Joao C. Duarte, Jaime Almeida, Boris J. P. Kaus, Filipe Rosas, Yamirka Rojas-Agramonte, Anton Popov
Summary: Geodynamic models were used to simulate the evolution of the Caribbean region during the Cretaceous period, showing that the collision between the old Caribbean plateau and the Central America margin led to the formation of a new subduction zone in the Atlantic and triggered the formation of the Caribbean Large Igneous Province.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
A. K. Schmitt, J. Sliwinski, L. Caricchi, O. Bachmann, N. Riel, B. J. P. Kaus, A. Cisneros de Leon, J. Cornet, B. Friedrichs, O. Lovera, T. Sheldrake, G. Weber
Summary: The past decades have witnessed significant advancements in U-Th-Pb zircon geochronology, allowing for more precise analysis and interpretation of zircon ages. These developments have also highlighted the need for improved statistical procedures to handle dispersed age data. The ability to resolve zircon age spectra offers new opportunities to study magmatic processes and provides valuable insights into the temperature and composition of the host melt.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jana C. Schierjott, Garrett Ito, Mark D. Behn, Xiaochuan Tian, Thomas Morrow, Boris J. P. Kaus, Javier Escartin
Summary: Oceanic detachment faults are extreme forms of seafloor creation, associated with weak magmatism. 3-D numerical models and rock physics experiments suggest that shear-stress on the transform fault generates excess lithospheric tension, promoting detachment faulting on the inside corner of a ridge-transform intersection.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Joshua Martin Guerrero, Frederic Deschamps, Yang Li, Wen-Pin Hsieh, Paul James Tackley
Summary: The effect of heterogeneous thermal conductivity on the stability of primordial material reservoirs in the mantle is examined using 2D spherical annulus geometry simulations. The depth-dependent profiles of mantle conductivity in numerical models often mask the effects of temperature and composition dependencies. By considering these dependencies and the reduction in thermochemical pile conductivity, it is found that a depth-dependent ratio of at least 9 is needed for stable primordial reservoirs. When the lowermost mantle's mean conductivity is greater than twice the surface conductivity, reservoirs can remain stable for very long periods of time.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Evangelos Moulas, Boris Kaus, Bjorn Jamtveit
Summary: The metamorphism of dry, lower crust in orogens is often localized in shear zones composed of mechanically weaker rocks. Previous studies have suggested that shear zone development is preceded by brittle faults, which provide the necessary pathways for fluid migration and metamorphism. However, there is currently no unified model that links long-term geological deformation to fluid migration and metamorphic reactions. This study presents a visco-elasto-plastic model that explains the observed features of transformed lower crust through basic mechanical principles. This includes dynamic and heterogeneous pressure distribution in the reacting and deforming rock volumes, which can significantly impact fluid migration patterns and explain discrepancies in tectonic settings and inferred burial depths.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Iris van Zelst, Fabio Crameri, Adina E. Pusok, Anne Glerum, Juliane Dannberg, Cedric Thieulot
Summary: Geodynamic modelling is a powerful tool for studying processes in the Earth's interior. However, it is important to understand the limitations and advantages of numerical models, as well as best practices for their use and review.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jaime Almeida, Nicolas Riel, Filipe M. Rosas, Joao C. Duarte, Boris Kaus
Summary: Previous studies suggest that new subduction zones are unlikely to form in the interior of a pristine ocean, but are more likely to be formed from pre-existing subduction zones. 3D numerical modeling shows that new subduction zones can form in a self-replicating manner from previous ones when certain conditions are met, such as the presence of old subducting plates and narrow plateaus.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
