SUBITOP — Understanding subduction zone topography through modelling of coupled shallow and deep processes

Results in brief

Understanding subduction zone topography through modelling of coupled shallow and deep processes

The surface of the Earth is sculpted by erosion acting on continents formed and uplifted by tectonic processes. One of the most important tectonic processes is subduction, whereby oceanic lithosphere bends and plunges into the deep mantle. Subduction is the engine of plate tectonics, recycling water, CO2 and crustal material in the Earth’s interior, sustaining mantle convection and global heat transport. It also has a strong societal impact. Subduction zones harbour the largest natural hazards on Earth, including great earthquakes (Mw >8), related tsunamis and explosive volcanic eruptions. Coastal regions affected by these hazards are often densely populated. At longer timescales, the evolution of topography over subduction zones is a critical factor governing long-term climate change, global geochemical cycles and biodiversity. It is of particular interest to Europe, where subduction has shaped many of the most prominent topographic features. One aspect of subduction research, which has not received adequate attention is the topographic evolution of subduction margins. The scientific programme is focused on this question in a forward sense (predicting topography) and an inverse sense (interpreting topography in terms of process). Our main goals are: 1. to advance understanding of how surface processes interact with crustal tectonics and mantle convection in subduction zones in Europe, including the interactions between physical processes at different length- and time- scales; 2. to train 15 early stage researchers (ESRs) in state-of-the-art concepts and leading-edge research techniques, while providing them with strong career management skills and solid professional connections; 3. to increase the impact and international visibility of European research by structuring the research and training capacities via long-term collaboration and synergy among ten research teams internationally recognised for their excellence in complementary fields of Earth Sciences.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

The SUBITOP ETN is a framework for training and career development of young researchers in Geodynamics, Geophysics, Geology and Geomorphology. It has a scientific focus on the dynamics of continental margins where tectonic plates are recycled through subduction. Subduction processes have shaped and govern many aspects of the topography of Europe, and other continents, and they determine the patterns and intensity of geological hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic activity and landsliding. The Training Network will imbue 15 young scientists with the ability to address the links between the geological processes within subduction zones and the processes that impact the Earth’s surface above, using a comprehensive range of modelling and observation techniques and exploiting the full diversity of active and ancient subduction systems within Europe.SUBITOP fuses research and training at ten leading centres of the Earth Sciences in Europe and forges partnerships with 15 companies for its fellows, with participants in eight countries. It will train Early Stage Researchers (ESR) through a structured programme of cross-disciplinary, collaborative research, and integrated skills and outreach activities. This experience-based training is centred on PhD projects, covering a spectrum of topics from the deep mechanics of subduction zones to the erosion of their uplifted topography. Together the projects probe the functioning of the subduction system in its entirety, and they are welded together by shared techniques, study sites and data sets. Through their projects, the ESRs will acquire skills in modelling and observation of coupled processes in complex geological systems. SUBITOP will also impart essential communication, outreach and career management skills, and first-hand experience of the private sector through project-specific secondments and co-supervision by industry partners, and embed its ESRs in the active TOPO-Europe research community.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

GFZ HELMHOLTZ-ZENTRUM FUR GEOFORSCHUNG · POTSDAMCoordinatorGermany
AF-Colenco Ltd · BadenSwitzerland
AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS · MadridSpain
CGG SERVICES (UK) LIMITED · CRAWLEY WEST SUSSEXUnited Kingdom
EIDGENOESSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZUERICH · ZuerichSwitzerland
EQUINOR ASA · StavangerNorway
Fugro Geoid SAS · JacouFrance
Geospatial Research Ltd · DurhamUnited Kingdom
Kalkulo AS · FornebuNorway
LAVISION GMBH · GoettingenGermany
LUNDIN ENERGY NORWAY AS · LysakerNorway
M. Penati Strumenti Srl · BusseroItaly
Midland Valley Exploration Ltd · GlasgowUnited Kingdom
NATIONALE GENOSSENSCHAFT FUER DIE LAGERUNG RADIOAKTIVER ABFAELLE · WettingenSwitzerland
NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPAST NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO · Den HaagNetherlands
Schulze Schüttgut Messtechnik · PotsdamGermany
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH · EdinburghUnited Kingdom
UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI ROMA TRE · ROMAItaly
UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE CATALUNYA · BARCELONASpain
UNIVERSITE DE MONTPELLIER · MontpellierFrance
UNIVERSITE DE RENNES I · RENNES CEDEXFrance
UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT · UtrechtNetherlands
UNIVERSITETET I OSLO · OsloNorway
UNIVERSITY OF DURHAM · DURHAMUnited Kingdom
g.o. logical consulting · Cesson SévigneFrance

SUBITOP · Understanding subduction zone topography through modelling of coupled shallow and deep processes

Results in brief

Understanding subduction zone topography through modelling of coupled shallow and deep processes

Project objective

Participants

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