Deformation patterns and subduction behavior of continental lithosphere: Effects of rheology, surface processes, and material parameters

The continental Eurasian margin is subducting underneath the Philippine Sea Plate, the location of Taiwan. To better understand deformation patterns resulting from subduction of a passive continental margin, we perform 2-D numerical simulations. A particle-based visco-elasto-plastic thermo-mechanical finite element code is employed to study the dynamics of the system. I explore the parameters that are dominant in controlling near-surface structures, both with regards to changes in topography and rock exhumation over time, and subsurface features such as Moho undulations. In all cases I track surface uplift, subduction evolution and rock exhumation history. The results are compared to evidence from Taiwan where continental subduction or convergence is thought to be happening. Models that experience convergence and that have a weak lower crust form a mid-crustal doming structure, and erosion greatly affects crustal deformation and structure.