This book is devoted to the quantitative physical modeling of subduction
and subduction-related processes. It presents a coherent description of
the modeling method (including similarity criteria, and a novel applied
experimental technique), results from model experiments, theoretical
analysis of results on the basis of continuum mechanics, and their
geodynamic interpretation. Subduction is modeled in general as well as
applied to particular regions using both 2-D and 3-D approaches, with
both slab-push and slab-pull driving forces. The modeling covers all
stages from subduction initiation to `death', different regimes of
subduction producing back arc extension and compression, blocking of
subduction and jumps of subduction zone, arc-continent collision and
continental subduction.
This work is for geologists and geophysicists interested in geodynamics
of the convergent plate boundaries and in mechanics of the
lithosphere.