Magmatological approach to subduction zone processes: towards a comprehensive understanding of arc evolution

Abstract

A testable hypothesis on the arc evolution is presented. An arc crust, which is originally produced by arc magamtism and hence possesses a basaltic composition, differentiates into two chemically different portions through anatexis of the initial crust caused by magmatic underplating. The mafic melting residues could be separated from the arc crust through delamination triggered by the arc collision. A matured arc is further characterized by the production of voluminous felsic magmas by remelting of the andesitic continental crust. IODP and related research should provide key constraints for evaluating the above hypothesis.