| Finite-element numerical models of ocean-continent subduction are used to investigate the roles of crustal frictional strength, subduction angle, and convergence rate in subduction erosion processes. These models exhibit two distinct modes of subduction erosion: (1) slow and steady, removing small blocks of material continually, and (2) fast and non-steady, removing a large forearc block in a single event. The slow mode, called edge-weakening subduction erosion, is enhanced by steeper subduction angles but acts to shallow the subduction angle at crustal depths. The fast mode, called internal-weakening subduction erosion, is enhanced by shallow subduction angles but acts to steepen the subduction angle at crustal depths. The two modes may alternate cyclically in nature and may account, in part, for the variation in subduction angle observed at the modern western American subduction zones.The slow, edge-weakening subduction erosion mode correlates well to subduction erosion processes widely reported for natural subduction zones. The fast, internal-weakening subduction erosion mode has previously been described only for subduction zones involving continental lithosphere on the lower plate. The removal of a 150--250 km wide forearc block from southern Mexico between 27--25 Ma and 21--19 Ma may be a first type example of internal-weakening subduction erosion at an ocean-continent subduction zone. The numerical models showing internal-weakening subduction erosion and the geological record of southern Mexico share the following geological features synchronous with forearc removal: (1) rapid trench migration rates approaching orthogonal plate convergence rates, (2) a step-wise shift in the locus of arc magmatism towards the upper plate, (3) forearc subsidence at the new margin of the upper plate, (4) a zone of crustal unroofing within the upper plate's new forearc region, and (5) a zone of subduction-antithetic thrust-sense shearing inboard of the crustal unroofing. These features can be used to test other subduction zones for suspected internal-weakening subduction erosion events. An internal-weakening subduction erosion event results in a rapid drop in the shear stress sustained across a subduction zone. For this reason, the timing of an internal-weakening subduction erosion event on the Acapulco Trench at the end of the Oligocene may account, in part, for the timing of initial Cocos-Nazca rifting at ca. 23 Ma. |
