Influence of surrounding plates on 3D subduction dynamics

Our 3D modelling study shows that the presence of lithospheric plates around a subducting plate has a significant influence on subduction dynamics, in particular on trench retreat rate, slab dip, and lateral shortening of the subducting plate. Neighbouring plates prevent unrealistic plate behaviour with no need for complex rheologies. Because, at the Earth's surface, plates form a continuous shell, they should not be neglected. Citation: Yamato, P., L. Husson, J. Braun, C. Loiselet, and C. Thieulot (2009), Influence of surrounding plates on 3D subduction dynamics, Geophys. Res. Lett., 36, L07303, doi: 10.1029/2008GL036942.