An introductory review of thermal structure of subduction zones: II. Numerical approach, validation, and comparison

Abstract

The thermal structure of subduction zones is fundamental to our understanding of physical and chemical processes that occur at active convergent plate margins. These include magma generation and related arc volcanism, shallow and deep seismicity, and metamorphic reactions that can release fluids. Computational models can predict the thermal structure to great numerical precision when models are fully described but this does not guarantee accuracy or applicability. In a pair of companion papers the construction of thermal subduction zone models, their use in subduction zone studies, and their link to geophysical and geochemical observations is explored. In part II the finite element techniques that can be used to predict thermal structure are discussed in an introductory fashion along with their verification and validation. This is followed by a comparison of the predicted thermal structure to geophysical, geochemical, and petrological observations.