Subduction initiation at straight passive margins can be investigated with two-dimensional (2-D) numerical models, because the geometry is purely cylindrical. However, on Earth, straight margins rarely occur. The construction of 3-D models is therefore critical in the modeling of spontaneous subduction initiation at realistic, curved passive margins. Here we report on the results obtained from gravitationally driven, 3-D thermomechanical numerical models using a visco-plastic rheology and a passive margin with a single curved section in the middle. The models show that the curvature angle β can control subduction initiation: the greater β is, the more diffi cult subduction initiation becomes. The 3-D thermomechanical models provide an in-depth physical understanding of the processes. Specifi cally, we fi nd that pressure gradients, arising from density differences between oceanic and continental
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