Joint geodynamic-geophysical inversion reveals passive subduction and
accretion of the Ontong Java Plateau
Abstract
In this study, we for the first time applied a joint
geodynamic-geophysical inversion (JGGI) approach to oceanic plateau
subduction models, and compared the subduction style and corresponding
topography and Bouguer gravity of two representative subduction
scenarios with passive or active collision. We showed that the case of
passive collision of the Ontong Java Plateau (OJP) crust better explains
the topography, gravity, and seismic data than the active collision
scenario. This implies that the OJP did not control the regional
dynamics during the collisional process. We conclude that previous
studies may have overestimated the role of the OJP in triggering
subduction initiation, subduction polarity reversal, and even Pacific
Plate rotation.