Mantle Dynamics in the Mediterranean and Plate Motion of the Adriatic
Microplate: Insights from 3D Thermomechanical Modeling
Abstract
The motion of the Adriatic microplate is thought to be highly sensitive
to the surrounding subduction zones and the convergence of Africa and
Eurasia. However, our understanding of the mantle dynamics in the
Mediterranean region and its effect on plate motion remains incomplete.
Here, we present a large set of 3D thermomechanical models of the entire
Mediterranean region over the last 35 Myr to understand what controls
the motion of the Adriatic microplate. The simulations take the
convergence of the African and Arabian plates with the Eurasian plate
into account, along with the dynamics of the subduction systems in the
western (Apennines-Calabria), central (Dinarides-Hellenides)
Mediterranean and in the Alpine-Carpathian region. Our results
demonstrate that the subduction systems around Adria are highly coupled,
which gives rise to complex asthenospheric flow in the central
Mediterranean. We find that the plate motion of the Adriatic microplate
over the last 35 Myr is controlled by interplay of three main factors:
1) the convergence between the African and Eurasian plates, 2) the
retreat of the Alpine subduction zone to the north of Adria, and 3) the
distance between the Calabrian and Hellenic subduction zones around
Adria. Furthermore, in a system characterized by active convergence
between Africa and Eurasia, the slab pull exerted by nearby subduction
zones can only notably influence the motion of the Adriatic microplate
if these subduction zones are located within a few hundred kilometers of
Adria.