Parametric Study to Understand the Transition from Collision to Subduction using 2D Finite Element Modeling

Abstract

Understanding the mechanism behind the tectonic plates in collision area, which may propagate into the subduction-collision transition zone is of great interest. At the locations of high-pressure metamorphism, some places form huge crustal deformations like between Indian-Eurasian plates, and subduction at other places like Indian-Burmese plates. In either of the cases deformation is a continuous, dynamic process. To understand the process, a study has been carried out using two dimensional finite element modeling. With the availability of computing technology (Parallelization), advanced numerical models (FEM, XFEM) and material models (Elastic, Visco-elastic), it would be an easy task to know the parameters effecting the transition from collision to subduction process between different tectonic plates. In this paper, Arc-collision model is used to study subduction-collision transition zone. Visco-elastic material rheology is considered for all the tectonic plates. Effect of parameters such as geometry of plates, friction at the interface, length of the plates and type of loading are studied.