Foredeeps versus subduction zones

Research Article| March 01, 1994 Foredeeps versus subduction zones Carlo Doglioni Carlo Doglioni 1Istituto di Geodinamica, universià della Basilicata, Palazzo Auletta, V. Anzio, 85100 Potenza, Italy Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Carlo Doglioni 1Istituto di Geodinamica, universià della Basilicata, Palazzo Auletta, V. Anzio, 85100 Potenza, Italy Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (1994) 22 (3): 271–274. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1994)022<0271:FVSZ>2.3.CO;2 Article history First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation Carlo Doglioni; Foredeeps versus subduction zones. Geology 1994;; 22 (3): 271–274. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1994)022<0271:FVSZ>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract The geologic characteristics of foredeeps and accretionary wedges suggest that these features are distinguishable on the basis of the direction of the associated subduction. East-north-east-dipping subduction-related accretionary wedges show high relief and broad outcrops of metamorphic rocks. They are associated with shallow foredeeps with low subsidence rates. In contrast, west- dipping subduction-related accretionary wedges show low relief and involve mainly sedimentary cover. The related foredeeps are deep and have high subsidence rates. This differentiation is useful both for oceanic and continental subductions, e.g., eastern vs. western Pacific subductions, or east- dipping Alpine vs. west-dipping Apenninec subductions. In a cross section of the Alps the ratio of the area of the orogen to the area of the foredeeps is at least 2:1, whereas this ratio is 0.22:1 for the Apennines. These ratios explain why foredeeps related to east- or northeast-dipping subduction are quickly filled and are bypassed by clastic rocks, whereas foredeeps related to west-dipping subduction maintain a deep-water environment longer. These differences support the presence of an "eastward" asthenospheric counterflow relative to the "westward" drift of the lithosphere detected in the hot-spot reference frame, even in the Mediterranean where no hot spots are present. In this interpretation, the Apennines foredeep was caused by the "eastward" push of the mantle acting on the subducted slab, whereas the foredeeps in the Alps were caused by the load of the thrust sheets and the downward component of movement of the upper Adriatic plate; these forces contrast with the upward component of the "eastward" mantle flow. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.