NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Seismicity and the subduction processThere is considerable variation between subduction zones in the largest characteristic earthquake within each zone. Assuming that coupling between downgoing and upper plates is directly related to characteristic earthquake size, tests for correlations between variation in coupling and other physical features of subduction zones are conducted: the lateral extent and penetration depth of Benioff zones, age of subducting lithosphere, convergence rate, and back-arc spreading. Using linear multivariate regression, coupling is correlated with two variables: convergence rate and lithosphere age. Secondary correlations within the data set are penetration depth versus lithosphere age, and lateral extent versus convergence rate. Taken together, the observed correlations suggest a simple qualitative model where convergence rate and lithosphere age determine the horizontal and sinking rates, respectively, of slabs: these parameters influence the seismic coupling in the subduction zone. In the limit of a fast sinking rate and slow convergence rate, back-arc spreading occurs and thereby appears to be a passive process.
Document ID
19810028940
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Ruff, L.
(California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Kanamori, H.
(California Institute of Technology Pasadena, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1980
Publication Information
Publication: Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors
Volume: 23
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
81A13344
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF EAR-78-11973
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7610
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available