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Buffett 2006
Buffett, B.A. (2006). Plate force due to bending at subduction zones. Journal of Geophysical Research 111: doi: 10.1029/2006JB004295. issn: 0148-0227.

Bending of the lithosphere at subduction zones generates stresses that contribute to the force balance on plates. We determine the net horizontal force on subducting plates by imposing a simple kinematic description of strain in the equations that govern the mechanical equilibrium of a thin viscous sheet. The magnitude of the force depends on the velocity, thickness, and curvature of the subducting plate. Using representative values for old oceanic lithosphere, we obtain an effective horizontal force that is nearly 40% of the buoyancy force due to slabs in the upper mantle.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Tectonophysics, Plate motions, present and recent, Tectonophysics, Lithospheric flexure, Tectonophysics, Plate boundary, general, Tectonophysics, Stresses, crust and lithosphere
Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
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