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The evidence cited above has led investigators to conclude that the Daiikai Kashima represents an intermediate stage of seamount subduction. It is now believed that the seamount subducts mostly without deformation. As the seamount enters the trench, the accretionary wedge compensates by receding, deforming, and thickening. It is suspected that after complete subduction of the seamount, the accretionary wedge will collapse due to the oversteepening and return to its previous critical angle. The Erimo seamount near northern Japan is currently fracturing as it approaches the trench. It represents an early stage of seamount subduction. Near the junction of the Kuril and Japan trench, there is a massive slope collapse and indentation. This probably represents the result of the completion of the subduction of a seamount. (Image modified from Lallemand, et al.)
References Lallemand, S., Culotta, R., and Von Huene, R., 1989. Subduction of the Daiichi Kashima Seamount in the Japan Trench, Tectonophysics, vol. 160, pg. 231-247. |
