NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT
Journal of the Faculties of Science and Agriculture, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
ISSN: 1119-9008
DOI: 10.5987/UJ-NJSE
Email: njse@universityjournals.org
SUBDUCTION POLARITY REVERSAL: ANCIENT EXAMPLES
DOI: 10.5987/UJ-NJSE.17.101.1 | Article Number: C0FBF719 | Vol.12 (1) - May 2013
Author: Ohwoghere-Asuma O.
Subduction polarity reversal refers to change in the direction of a subducting lithospheric plate into the mantle. The mechanism for this has been attributed to both a slab break off and slab roll back driven by collision of tectonic plates especially when arc and rifted continental margins collide. Magmatic and metamorphic event related to and postdating the collision are major characteristic of subduction polarity reversal and if collision continued much more deformation my results in seismicity. The integration of geologic data and seismic are used to delineate and make model to understand how it occurred. Ancient examples and geographical area of subduction polarity reversal have been enumerated. Some of the geological ages associated with subduction polarity reversal include; Proterozoic. Mid-proterozoic and Ordivician–Early Siluria. Also presented is case study of the Farwell Mountain - Lester Mountain suture zone of the south-western United States continental lithosphere.
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