Tomopac2: an unfolded-slab plate reconstruction validated via mantle circulation models in a closed-loop experiment
Journal
Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences
Journal Volume
481
Journal Issue
2318
ISSN
1364-5021
1471-2946
Date Issued
2025-07
Author(s)
Abstract
Mantle slabs imaged by seismic tomography provide complementary subsurface information that could improve global plate reconstructions because they are indications of ancient tectonic plates. Linking mantle slabs to the surface plates requires approaches that follow geodynamic principles in a highly vigorous mantle. Here, we propose a new workflow that couples a slab unfolding approach and a mantle circulation model (MCM) through which tomotectonic reconstructions can be performed, evaluated and improved in a closed-loop experiment. We publish the most recent version of our unfolded-slab constrained, geodynamically self-consistent plate reconstruction, Tomopac2, in which comprehensive intra-oceanic subductions within the Pacific-Panthalassa realms are implemented. These intra-oceanic subductions are crucial for understanding the evolution of the mantle and surface tectonics in the central Pacific, western North America and East Asia since the Mesozoic. Our model also incorporates subduction along western South America. Our closed-loop experiment allows us to reinterpret published tomotectonic reconstructions based on the vertical sinking slabs hypothesis. We conclude that highly vigorous mantle flow that allows lateral slab transport up to 4000 km and non-constant sinking rates that deviate by up to 10 mm yr-1 locally within an approximately 1000 km area must be accounted for in tomotectonic reconstructions.
Subjects
circum-Pacific plate reconstruction
lateral slab transport
non-constant slab sinking rates
Panthalassan intra-oceanic subduction
slab unfolding
tomotectonic plate reconstruction
Publisher
The Royal Society
Type
journal article