An explanation for the age independence of oceanic elastic thickness estimates from flexural profiles at subduction zones, and implications for continental rheology

摘要: Most properties of oceanic lithosphere are widely observed to be dependent on the age plate, such as water depth, heat flow, and seismogenic thickness. However, estimates ‘effective elastic thickness' based deflection plate it enters a subduction zone show little correlation with incoming lithosphere. This paradox requires reconciliation if we gain full understanding structure, rheology, behaviour Here, that permanent deformation due outer-rise faulting, combined uncertainties in yield stress lithosphere, in-plane forces transmitted through zones, levels noise bathymetric gravity data, prevents simple modelling from accurately capturing underlying rheological structure plate. The age-independent effective thickness obtained by purely therefore not likely represent true rheology hence expected correspond age. Similar effects may apply continental forelands, implications for our rheology.