Physics
Scientific paper
Sep 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008georl..3518303p&link_type=abstract
Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 35, Issue 18, CiteID L18303
Physics
26
Seismology: Subduction Zones (1207, 1219, 1240), Seismology: Tomography (6982, 8180), Tectonophysics: Dynamics: Seismotectonics, Tectonophysics: Subduction Zone Processes (1031, 3060, 3613, 8413)
Scientific paper
Based on analysis of data from a trans-Mexico temporary broadband seismic network centered on Mexico City, we report that the subducting Cocos Plate beneath central Mexico is horizontal, and tectonically underplates the base of the crust for a distance of 250 km from the trench. It is decoupled from the crust by a very thin low viscosity zone. The plate plunges into the mantle near Mexico City but is truncated at a depth of 500 km, probably due to an E-W propagating tear in the Cocos slab. Unlike the shallow slab subduction in Peru and Chile, there is active volcanism along the Trans Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB) that lies much further inland than regions to either side where subduction dip is not horizontal. Geodynamical modeling indicates that a thin weak layer such as imaged by the seismic experiment can explain the flat subduction geometry.
Clayton Robert W.
Davis Paul M.
Gurnis Michael
Husker Allen
Iglesias Arturo
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