Plate Tectonics and Processes of Subduction Zones

Dear Colleagues,

Since the establishment of theories of plate tectonics in the 1960s, much work on geophysical and geological processes conducted in the 20th century relied on them as a basis. Yet, numerous interesting and important studies on plate tectonics, and in particular on subduction zone processes, have been and continue to be pursued since the turn of the century. These include studies on the refinement of global plate tectonics since a few hundred million years ago, subduction initiation and changes in plate tectonic frameworks, processes along subduction interfaces in relation to metamorphism, deformation (including seismicity and fluid flow) accompanied by metasomatic reactions, and ridge subduction and its effects on geodynamic processes, to name but a few. It should be noted here that these studies have been made possible by the recent development of mantle tomography and numerical simulation, making microchemical analyses and radiometric dating more accessible and making it possible to infer pressure–temperature–time pathways in metamorphic rocks, as well as to understand the rheological properties of rocks and minerals.

The aim of this Special Issue is to gather together papers (original research articles and review papers) dealing with recent topics in the field of plate tectonics and subduction zone processes, and to integrate these into a collection that enables readers to envisage future directions in the field. Therefore, contributions that combine different disciplines across the Earth sciences are highly welcome in the Special Issue.

This Special Issue will welcome manuscripts that link the following themes:

• Metamorphism and deformation, including seismicity and fluid flows along subduction interfaces;
• Ridge subduction and its effects on geodynamic processes;
• Subduction initiation and changes in plate tectonic frameworks;
• Rheological properties of rocks and minerals relevant to the above-mentioned themes.

We look forward to receiving your original research articles and reviews.

Prof. Dr. Toru Takeshita
Guest Editor

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