Publications

Two series of scaled sandbox experiments were carried out to simulate accretive forearcs with different modes of mass transfer. By analysing the incremental displacement-gradient field, we define criteria to determine subduction channel geometries. The results show that each accretion mode exhibits an unique pattern of material flow-rate within the subduction channel. Among the controlling parameters, the gradient of mechanical material properties at the top of the subduction channel and the amount of rearward material loss are of predominant importance. The vertical load and the activity of faults in the overlying wedge exert only minor control on the mass-transfer mode. However, it is very difficult to unequivocally identify the set of parameters that controls the mass budget of a specific forearc in nature, as demonstrated by the South-Chilean Forearc.

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Lohrmann, J.; Kukowski, N.; Krawczyk, C. M.; Oncken, O. (2004): Which parameters control kinematics and mass transfer within subduction ?. GeoMod 2004 (Emmetten, Switzerland 2004).