2020/07/27 by Fabio Crameri, Valentina Magni, Mathew Domeier +11 · 1 citation
Earth and Planetary Sciences · #Geological and Geochemical Analysis #earthquake and tectonic studies #Geological and Geophysical Studies #Subduction #Computer science #Biology #Paleontology #Tectonics
paper · pdf · doi:10.1038/s41467-020-17522-9
openalex publication_date 2020/07/27 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04
Subduction zones are pivotal for the recycling of Earth's outer layer into its interior. However, the conditions under which new subduction zones initiate are enigmatic. Here, we constructed a transdisciplinary database featuring detailed analysis of more than a dozen documented subduction zone initiation events from the last hundred million years. Our initial findings reveal that horizontally forced subduction zone initiation is dominant over the last 100 Ma, and that most initiation events are proximal to pre-existing subduction zones. The SZI Database is expandable to facilitate access to the most current understanding of subduction zone initiation as research progresses, providing a community platform that establishes a common language to sharpen discussion across the Earth Science community.