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Abstract: We studied the stress effects of the topography load on dike propagation by considering the results from analogue experiments; in addition, we refined the results by applying numerical simulations using the finite element method (FEM) in order to also consider the medium rheology and real topography. We investigated the dike deflection observed during the final dike emplacement accompanying Etna''s 2001 eruption. We cross-related the information on the position of the dike from ground deformation modelling with the numerical simulation results with the aim of estimating the final excess pressure of the dike when it started to deflect, which proved to be about 4–8MPa. Assuming that the pressure decreases linearly with the volume of magma moving from the chamber into the dike, we estimated 7–15MPa as the initial overpressure accumulated at the intermediate magma chamber before its breakout. Although the previous modelling overestimated the stress, the approach presented here leads to infer a compatible stress with the strength of the rocks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Useful geodynamic distinction of continental collision zones can be based on the degree of rheological coupling of colliding plates. Coupled active collision zones (which can be either retreating or advancing) are characterized by a thick crustal wedge and compressive stresses (i.e. Himalaya and Western Alps), while decoupled end-members (which are always retreating) are defined by a thin crustal wedge and bi-modal distribution of stresses (i.e., compressional in the foreland and extensional in the inner part of the orogen, Northern Apennines). In order to understand physical controls defining these different geodynamic regimes we conducted a 2D numerical study based on finite-differences and marker-in-cell techniques. In our experiments we systematically varied several major parameters responsible for the degree of rheological coupling between plates during collision such as convergence rate, crustal rheology and effective velocity of upward propagation of aqueous fluids and melts in the mantle wedge. Low convergence rates and fluids/melts propagation velocities favor continuous coupling and convergence between the plates. Coupled collision zones are characterized by continuous accretion of the weak upper continental crust resulting in the development of a thick and broad crustal wedge, by hot temperature in the inner parts of the orogen due to radiogenic heating of the thickened crust, by compressive orogenic stresses and appearance of a double seismogenic (brittle) layer involving upper crust and sub-Moho mantle. In contrast high convergence rates and fluid/melt percolation velocities produce efficient weakening of the mantle wedge and of the subduction channel triggering complete decoupling of two plates, mantle wedging into the crustal wedge and retreating style of collision. The evolution of fully decoupled collision zones are characterized by the disruption of the accretionary wedge, formation of an extensional basin in the inner part of the orogen and delamination of the weak portion of the continental crust that is first thrusted toward the foreland and, subsequently, dissected by extensional tectonics. Transition from coupled to decoupled regime occurs always at the early stages of continental collision indicating that insertion of rheologically weak crustal material in the subduction channel is critical for the subsequent evolution of the collision zone. We found good correlations of our numerical results with some of the major collisional orogens. In particular, the decoupled retreating collision regime reproduces what is observed in the Northern Apennines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The mechanics of the transition from continental subduction toward upper crustal nappe stacking is still poorly understood and is studied here through a 2D thermal and strength numerical modeling of a subducted passive margin. Geological observations in the core of most mountain belts show the piling up of several HP–LT upper crustal units that are most likely related to the detachment of upper crustal units from the subducted continental margin and to the subsequent stacking of the detached units at depths. The Adula unit (Lepontine Dome, Central Alps, Switzerland) is a long and thin upper crustal unit and is used here as a natural case-study as it provides a well-documented example of these units. 2D thermal modeling shows that two steps, successive in time, characterized the burial history of the passive margin undergoing continental subduction: 1—an increase in the margin strength due to an increase in the confining pressure during the first million years of the margin subduction and 2—the progressive heating of the subducted margin from the overlying lithosphere leads to a decrease in the margin strength due to thermal weakening, which progressively counter-balances the increase in confining pressure. Two strength gradients develop within the subducted lithosphere: 1—along the slab, the strength decreases with increasing burial depth and 2—perpendicular to the slab, the strength increases with depth due to an inverse temperature distribution. The detachment of HP–LT continental units from the subducted margin could occur when the slab strength becomes lower than the applied net stress. This allows the detachment of ductile weakened thin and long upper-crustal units. The thickness and length of the detached crustal units are controlled by the following parameters, in order of their importance: subduction dip angle, crustal rheology, mantle heat flux and subduction velocity. The comparison of our model results with the geometry and PT conditions of the Adula unit yields an estimate of the Alpine subduction dip angle at the time of deformation and metamorphism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]