Variability of subducting slab morphologies in the mantle transition zone: Insight from petrological-thermomechanical modeling

Variable morphologies of subducting slabs are observed in tomographic images of the mantle transition zone (MTZ), where slabs appear to stagnate in the MTZ or enter the lower mantle. These contrasting morphologies of subducting slabs are dependent on the joint effects of various dynamic, kinematic and geometric factors. Force balance analysis indicates that the favorable conditions of slab stagnation in the MTZ include old/cold slab subducting...