Subducting volcaniclastic-rich upper crust supplies fluids for shallow megathrust and slow slip
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Recurring slow slip along near-trench megathrust faults occurs at many subduction zones, but for unknown reasons, this process is not universal. Fluid overpressures are implicated in encouraging slow slip; however, links between slow slip, fluid content, and hydrogeology remain poorly known in natural systems. Three-dimensional seismic imaging and ocean drilling at the Hikurangi margin reveal a widespread and previously unknown fluid reservoir within the extensively hydrated (up to 47 vol % H2O) volcanic upper crust of the subducting Hikurangi Plateau large igneous province. This ~1.5 km thick volcaniclastic upper crust readily dewaters with subduction but retains half of its fluid content upon reaching regions with well-characterized slow slip. We suggest that volcaniclastic-rich upper crust at volcanic plateaus and seamounts is a major source of water that contributes to the fluid budget in subduction zones and may drive fluid overpressures along the megathrust that give rise to frequent shallow slow slip.
Date Issued
2023-08-18
Date Acceptance
2023-07-17
Citation
Science Advances, 2023, 9 (33), pp.1-14
ISSN
2375-2548
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Start Page
1
End Page
14
Journal / Book Title
Science Advances
Volume
9
Issue
33
Copyright Statement
Copyright© 2023The Authors,somerightsreserved;exclusive licenseeAmericanAssociationfor the Advancementof Science.No claim tooriginalU.S. GovernmentWorks. Distributedundera CreativeCommonsAttributionLicense4.0 (CC BY).
License URL
Sponsor
The Leverhulme Trust
Natural Environment Research Council [2006-2012]
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Identifier
http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adh0150
Grant Number
RPG-2019-193
NE/S00291X/1
NE/S00291X/1
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2023-08-16