Deep structure of the Southeast Asian curved subduction system and its dynamic process

Abstract

The deep structure, material circulation, and dynamic processes in the Southeast Asia have long been an elusive scientific puzzle due to the lack of systematic scientific observations and recognized theoretical models. Based on the deep seismic tomography using long-period natural earthquake data, in this study, the deep structure and material circulation of the curved subduction system in Southeast Asia was studied, and the dynamic processes since 100 million years ago was reconstructed. It is pointed out that challenges still exist in the precise reconstruction of deep mantle structures of the study area, the influence of multi-stage subduction on deep material exchange and shallow magma activity, as well as the spatiotemporal evolution and coupling mechanism of multi-plate convergence. Future work should focus on high-resolution land-sea joint 3-D seismic tomography imaging of the curved subduction system in the Southeast Asia, combined with geochemical analysis and geodynamic modelling works.