9614391 Gurnis Subduction of oceanic lithosphere is , and well known around the world. However, al subduction that is now current is relatively nature, and initiation of subduction is one of the first order problems remaining in tectonics. This project will address through 3-D heterogeneous finite element methods two competing hypotheses for subduction initiation: on stated by a very dense oceanic lithosphere sinking of its own weigh, and one caused by longer distance plate convergence. The results will be compared to geological observations in New Zealand, and will be important in understanding subduction processes in general.
