Subduction zone discovered beneath Gibraltar Strait

A recent study has highlighted the potential future of the Atlantic Ocean with the identification of a subduction zone, termed the ‘Ring of Fire‘, beneath the Gibraltar Strait.

About the Subduction zones:

• The Subduction zones, also referred to as Benioff zones, are convergent plate boundaries where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, causing seismic activity, deep trenches, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
• They are pivotal in the Wilson cycle, facilitating the opening and closing of ocean basins through seafloor spreading and subduction.

Subduction Zones in the Atlantic and Gibraltar:

• Subduction Zones in the Atlantic: Despite the initiation challenges in mature Atlantic-type oceans due to their thick and strong oceanic lithosphere, the Atlantic is home to several subduction zones including the Lesser Antilles and Scotia arcs, with a recent focus on the Gibraltar Arc.
• Gibraltar Subduction Zone: Situated beneath the Gibraltar Strait, this zone is where the Eurasian and African plates converge.
  • It has active nature and may expand westwards into the Atlantic over millions of years.

Implications of Subduction Expansion:

• The projected expansion of the Gibraltar subduction zone could lead to the formation of a new Atlantic subduction system, analogous to the Pacific’s Ring of Fire.
• This process involves the gradual closure of the ocean basin, reshaping the geography of the Atlantic Ocean over an extended timeframe.

Key Findings:

• Using computer simulations, researchers have traced the evolution of the Gibraltar subduction zone, predicting its future development and impact on the Atlantic Ocean.
• The study emphasizes the dynamic nature of Earth’s tectonic processes and their profound implications for the planet’s geological landscape.

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