Effect of a thin weak layer at around the 660-km discontinuity on
subducting slab morphology in the mantle transition zone
Abstract
The subducting slab morphology in the mantle transition zone (MTZ) is
strongly affected by the mantle viscosity and density variations at the
660-km discontinuity (D660). Besides the negative Clapeyron slope of
phase transition and the viscosity increase, a possible thin weak layer
at around D660 is proposed to play a key role in the slab stagnation,
which is however not well constrained. In this study, a series of
numerical models are systematically conducted, which reveal that a weak
layer beneath D660 does not change the slab mode selection (penetration
versus stagnation). However, it will contribute to longer slab
flattening at the bottom of the MTZ, when slab sinking is strongly
resisted by either the viscosity increase or a large Clapeyron slope at
D660. The role of a weak layer on slab flattening is dependent on the
lubrication effect that promotes sub-horizontal slab movement at the
bottom of the MTZ.