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Science 8 December 2000:
Vol. 290. no. 5498, pp. 1910 - 1917
DOI: 10.1126/science.290.5498.1910
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Review

Subduction and Slab Detachment in the Mediterranean-Carpathian Region

M. J. R. Wortel,* W. Spakman*

Seismic tomography models of the three-dimensional upper mantle velocity structure of the Mediterranean-Carpathian region provide a better understanding of the lithospheric processes governing its geodynamical evolution. Slab detachment, in particular lateral migration of this process along the plate boundary, is a key element in the lithospheric dynamics of the region during the last 20 to 30 million years. It strongly affects arc and trench migration, and causes along-strike variations in vertical motions, stress fields, and magmatism. In a terminal-stage subduction zone, involving collision and suturing, slab detachment is the natural last stage in the gravitational settling of subducted lithosphere.

Vening Meinesz Research School of Geodynamics, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, Budapestlaan 4, 3584CD, Utrecht, Netherlands.
*   E-mail: wortel{at}geo.uu.nl (M.J.R.W.); wims{at}geo.uu.nl (W.S.)

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