GD
Geodynamics

Subduction

Application of lubrication theory in understanding subduction interface dynamics

August 3, 2022
Application of lubrication theory in understanding subduction interface dynamics
Figure 1. Analogy of a) subduction interface with b) engineering lubrication device (source: machinerylubrication.com).

Plate interface lubrication is essential for stabilization and continuation of subduction process for million of years. The magnitude of plate interface lubrication determines transfer of stress between two converging plates, topography of mountain belts, transportation of volatiles to the mantle, and return flow of high to ultra-high pressure rocks to the earth’s surface.  In this week’s blog, I ...[Read More]

Orphaning: Discovering New Subduction Processes

and November 24, 2021
Orphaning: Discovering New Subduction Processes
Figure 1: P-Wave tomography by Obayashi et al. (2013) and Fukao & Obayashi (2013) for Tonga. Note the deflected slab at 660 km depth underlain by deeper slab material, possibly orphan slabs.

Science is all about discovering new things. But how do we make these discoveries, adding to the ever growing pantheon of knowledge? This week, we sit with one of our editors Antoniette Greta Grima, a Postdoctoral Fellow from the University of Texas at Austin, to understand what it takes to discover a new slab process.  Thanks for sitting down with us this week! First things first, which subductio ...[Read More]

The Sassy Scientist – Sterling Subduction

January 29, 2021
The Sassy Scientist – Sterling Subduction

Fausto is very much preoccupied with subduction zones. The omphalos of his working life, or better yet, his paltry existence, he lacklusterly focuses on a single subduction zone. A proclivity for narrow-mindedness, surely. Yet there are ever so many to rejoice in. He thus warbles: What is your favourite subduction zone? Dear Fausto, I can only think of that one little special place deserving the p ...[Read More]

The Sassy Scientist – The Story of Plate Tectonics

September 18, 2020
The Sassy Scientist – The Story of Plate Tectonics

As a new coping mechanism with reality, Sascha has been digging into some science history and asked: How did scientists discover plate tectonics? Dear Sascha, I do enjoy a good walk on the memory lane of scientific discoveries. You might know by now that great insight is gained when we look at data with fresh eyes. Hence, lots of advances in certain narrow scientific fields come from outsiders. In ...[Read More]