vEGU21 abstract submission

While the onset of deep subduction (i.e., penetration of subducted slabs into the upper mantle to establish sufficient slab pull forces to drive the trailing plates) is synonymous with the beginning of ocean-plate tectonics, the initiation of new subduction zones is key to maintaining ocean-plate tectonics on the more recent Earth. Despite its importance, the driving mechanisms for forming new subduction zones remain enigmatic, especially because subduction zones are thought to form in a wide variety of geodynamic environments. A strongly cross-disciplinary approach and effective communication across the various Earth science disciplines are therefore required to advance our understanding of this phenomenon.

In this session, we aim to bring together researchers across different disciplines contributing to various aspects of subduction zone initiation (SZI). We welcome insights from field observations, IODP/ICDP drilling programs, geochemical and petrological analyses, plate reconstructions, seismology, seismic tomography, numerical and analogue modelling, and other fields, as well as from multi-disciplinary approaches. We expect this session to include a diverse range of studies united by the common goal to understand when, where, and how subduction zones initiate.

To respect the interdisciplinarity of the session and the diversity of the research community, we recommend the use of a universal language for SZI specific terms and inclusive graphics that are colour-vision deficiency friendly.

Submit an abstract now or until the 13th of January to https://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU21/session/39784