Constraining Solid Dynamics, Interface Rheology, and Slab Hydration in
the Hikurangi Subduction Zone Using 3D Fully Dynamic Models
Abstract
Simulating present-day solid Earth deformation and volatile cycling
requires integrating diverse geophysical datasets and advanced numerical
techniques to model complex multiphysics processes at high resolutions.
Subduction zone modeling is particularly challenging due to the large
geographic extent, localized deformation zones, and the strong feedbacks
between reactive fluid transport and solid deformation. Here, we develop
new workflows for simulating 3-dimensional thermal-mechanical subduction
and patterns of volatile dehydration at convergent margins, adaptable to
include reactive fluid transport. We apply these workflows to the
Hikurangi margin, where recent geophysical investigations have offered
unprecedented insight into the structure and processes coupling fluid
transport and solid deformation across broad spatiotemporal scales.
Geophysical data sets constraining the downgoing and overriding plate
structure are collated with the Geodynamic World Builder, which provides
the initial conditions for forward simulations using the open-source
geodynamic modeling software ASPECT. We systematically examine how plate
interface rheology and hydration of the downgoing plate and upper mantle
influence Pacific–Australian convergence and seismic anisotropy.
Models prescribing a dry rheology and a plate boundary viscosity of 5e20
Pa s best reproduce observed plate velocities. Conversely, models
considering hydrated olivine fabrics best reproduce observations of
seismic anisotropy. Predicted patterns of slab dehydration and mantle
melting correlate well with observations of seismic attenuation and arc
volcanism. These results suggest that hydration-related rheological
heterogeneity and related fluid weakening may strongly influence slab
dynamics. Future investigations integrating coupled fluid transport and
global mantle flow will provide insight into the feedbacks between
subduction dynamics, fluid pathways, and arc volcanism.