The Absolute Motion of Trenches and Age of the Subducting Slab

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dc.contributor.advisorGordon, Richard G
dc.contributor.committeeMemberSawyer, Dale S
dc.contributor.committeeMemberNiu, Fenglin
dc.creatorMathews, David Christopher
dc.date.accessioned2016-01-27T22:32:56Z
dc.date.available2016-01-27T22:32:56Z
dc.date.created2014-12
dc.date.issued2014-12-05
dc.date.submittedDecember 2014
dc.date.updated2016-01-27T22:32:56Z
dc.description.abstractPrevious work proposes that many trenches advance, but inferred motions vary considerably between different estimates of plate motion relative to hotspots. We remedy this by using recent estimates of absolute plate motions inferred from seismic anisotropy, incorporating the MORVEL relative plate angular velocities, and fully propagating the uncertainties. Nearly half the trench velocities differ significantly from prior results, with the greatest differences at the Kermadec, New Hebrides, and Marianas trenches. Trench velocity ranges from retreat of 126 ± 20 mm a-1 to advance of 52 ± 14 mm a-1 with a median of 9 mm a-1 of retreat. Out of 57 locations, trench advance is significant at only five locations (along the Hikurangi, Marianas, and Izu-Bonin trenches), retreat is significant at 23 locations, and trench motion differs insignificantly from zero at 29 locations. Trench advance increases with age and absolute velocity of subducting lithosphere and with angle of subduction.
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.identifier.citationMathews, David Christopher. "The Absolute Motion of Trenches and Age of the Subducting Slab." (2014) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/88195">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/88195</a>.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1911/88195
dc.language.isoeng
dc.rightsCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.
dc.subjecttrench advance
dc.subjectslab age
dc.subjectabsolute plate motion
dc.subjectplate tectonics
dc.titleThe Absolute Motion of Trenches and Age of the Subducting Slab
dc.typeThesis
dc.type.materialText
thesis.degree.departmentEarth Science
thesis.degree.disciplineNatural Sciences
thesis.degree.grantorRice University
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Science
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