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Mechanism of deep focus earthquakes: numerical simulation of physical process and deformation in subducted slabs

Research Project

Project/Area Number 16540388
Research Category

Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)

Allocation TypeSingle-year Grants
Section一般
Research Field Solid earth and planetary physics
Research InstitutionHiroshima University

Principal Investigator

NAKAKUKI Tomoeki  Hiroshima University, Graduate School of Science, Research Associate, 大学院理学研究科, 助手 (10263667)

Project Period (FY) 2004 – 2006
Project Status Completed (Fiscal Year 2006)
Budget Amount *help
¥3,300,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,300,000)
Fiscal Year 2006: ¥1,000,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,000,000)
Fiscal Year 2005: ¥1,100,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,100,000)
Fiscal Year 2004: ¥1,200,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,200,000)
Keywordsdeep focus earthquake / subducted slab / subduction zone / stress field / rheology / numerical simulation / mantle convection / 沈み込み / マントル遷移層
Research Abstract

We have investigated deformation and physical processes in subducted slabs. We concentrated our efforts to construct dynamic model of the subduction integrated into the mantle convection system in FY2004. For this purpose, we require a numerical code to calculate the mantle convection system with 1 to 2 km resolution. We therefore developed a new code for mantle convection utilizing a 2-layer system of numerical grid. We next developed 2-D dynamic subduction model spontaneously integrated into the mantle convection. The rheological parameters are examined comparing strain and stress field of the subducting lithosphere. Based on this self-consistent subduction model, we investigated interaction of the slab with the mantle transition zones in FY2005 and FY2006. We focused on the effects of (1) effects of free trench motion on the structure of the subducted slab, (2) viscosity layering at the 660 km phase boundary, (3) weakening by the grain-size reduction associated with the 410 and 660 … More km phase transitions. We also consider effects of temperature-and pressure-dependent thermal expansivity on the buoyancy of the subducted slab.
In this study, we have revealed the mechanism to generate the slab stagnating in the mantle transition zone. The motion of the trench unbend the subducted slab so that it makes a dip angle of the deep slab shallower. The shallow angle and the shear stress by the backward trench motion reduce downward stress at the tip of the slab interacting with the 660 km phase transition. The viscosity jump is essential to generate stress filed in the transition zone slab resembling that obtained by the seismic observation. In the case with no viscosity jump, the bending of the slab determines the stress in the slab. A couple of compressional and tensile stress always appears in the location with strong stress. The viscosity jump at 660 km phase boundary is needed to generate stress field of down-dip compression in the transition zone stab. The viscosity jump, however, slows the motion of the surface plate. Non-Newtonian deformation mechanism in the transition zone slab may be important to fill this discrepancy. Less

Report

(4 results)
  • 2006 Annual Research Report   Final Research Report Summary
  • 2005 Annual Research Report
  • 2004 Annual Research Report
  • Research Products

    (8 results)

All 2007 2005

All Journal Article (8 results)

  • [Journal Article] The role of history-dependent rheology in plate boundary lubrication for generating one-sided subduction2007

    • Author(s)
      Tagawa, M., Nakakuki T., Kameyama, M., Tajima, F.
    • Journal Title

      Pure and Applied Geophysics 164(印刷中)

    • Description
      「研究成果報告書概要(和文)」より
    • Related Report
      2006 Final Research Report Summary
  • [Journal Article] Dynamical modeling of trench retreat driven by the slab interaction with the mantle transition zone2007

    • Author(s)
      Tagawa, M., Nakakuki T., Tajima, F.
    • Journal Title

      Earth, Planets and Space 59

      Pages: 65-74

    • NAID

      10024496411

    • Description
      「研究成果報告書概要(和文)」より
    • Related Report
      2006 Final Research Report Summary
  • [Journal Article] The role of history-dependent rheology in plate Boundary lubrication for generating one-sided subduction2007

    • Author(s)
      Tagawa, M., Nakakuki T., Kameyama, M., Tajima, F.
    • Journal Title

      Pure and Applied Geophysics 164 (in press9

    • Description
      「研究成果報告書概要(欧文)」より
    • Related Report
      2006 Final Research Report Summary
  • [Journal Article] The role of history-dependent rheology in plate boundary lubrication for generating one-sided subduction2007

    • Author(s)
      Tagawa, M., Nakakuki, T., Kameyama, M., Tajima, F.
    • Journal Title

      Pure Appl. Geophys. 164(印刷中)

    • Related Report
      2006 Annual Research Report
  • [Journal Article] Dynamical modeling of trench retreat driven by the slab interaction with the mantle transition zome2007

    • Author(s)
      Tagawa., M., Nakakuki.T., Tajima, F.
    • Journal Title

      Earth Planet. Space 59

      Pages: 65-74

    • Related Report
      2006 Annual Research Report
  • [Journal Article] スタグナントスラプに伴うマントル構造の地震学的解析と数値シミュレーション2005

    • Author(s)
      田島文子, 中久喜伴益, 吉岡祥一
    • Journal Title

      地震 第2輯 58

      Pages: 121-141

    • Description
      「研究成果報告書概要(和文)」より
    • Related Report
      2006 Final Research Report Summary
  • [Journal Article] Seismological analysis and numerical simulation for mantle structure associated with stagnant slab2005

    • Author(s)
      Tajima, F.Nakakuki T., Yoshioka, S.
    • Journal Title

      Zisin (J. Seism. Soc. Jap.) 2, 58

      Pages: 121-141

    • NAID

      130006787571

    • Description
      「研究成果報告書概要(欧文)」より
    • Related Report
      2006 Final Research Report Summary
  • [Journal Article] スタグナントスラブに伴うマントル構造の地震学的解析と数値シミュレーション2005

    • Author(s)
      田島 文子
    • Journal Title

      地震 58

      Pages: 121-141

    • Related Report
      2005 Annual Research Report

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Published: 2004-04-01   Modified: 2016-04-21  

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