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On the dip angle of subducting platesA new approximate analytic model is developed for the thermal structure of a subducting plate with a finite length. This model provides the capability of easily examining the thermal and mechanical structure of a subducting plate with different lengths and at different angles. Also, the torque balance of a descending plate can be examined, and effects such as the leading edge effect, the adiabatic compression effect, and the phase change effect can be incorporated. A comparison with observed data indicates that short slabs are likely under torque equilibrium at present, while long slabs are probably dominated by their gravitational torques such that their dip angles are transient, moving toward a steeper dip angle similar to that of the Mariana slab.
Document ID
19910035577
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Hsui, Albert T.
(Illinois, University Urbana, United States)
Tang, Xiao-Ming
(Illinois Univ. Urbana, IL, United States)
Toksoz, M. Nafi
(MIT Cambridge, MA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1990
Publication Information
Publication: Tectonophysics
Volume: 179
ISSN: 0040-1951
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
91A20200
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-753
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-1312
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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