Metamorphic Facies and Deformation Fabrics Diagnostic of Subduction: Insights From 2D Numerical Models

Abstract

Abstract We developed a 2D numerical model that simulates the evolution of a subduction in order to analyze which different metamorphic facies and deformation fabrics can be recorded within a subduction complex and whether the subduction velocity can influence their distribution. Regions with pressure and temperature (P‐T) conditions characteristic of different metamorphic facies have been explored in the different domains of the subduction system to verify the existence of associations that may result as diagnostic of specific areas of the subduction system at different times. Distribution patterns of strain rates and relative deformation fabrics have also been investigated to verify whether they can be recorded under different metamorphic facies conditions. Our results show that three domains characterized by contrasting metamorphic conditions can be simultaneously observed in different regions of the subduction complex, in contrast with the widespread idea that different metamorphic series are representative of peculiar geodynamic scenarios, but in agreement with the commonly observed coexistence of contrasted P‐T conditions in orogenic belts. In addition, we verified that mylonitic fabrics can develop more frequently in metamorphic facies characterized by high Pressure/Temperature (P/T) ratios, while coronitic fabric can be better preserved in metamorphic facies with low‐to‐medium P/T ratios.

Keywords

• numerical model
• metamorphic facies
• subduction
• collision
• deformation fabrics