Tomopac2: an unfolded-slab plate reconstruction validated via mantle circulation models in a closed-loop experiment

Mantle slabs imaged by seismic tomography provide complementary subsurface information that could improve global plate reconstructions because they are indications of ancient tectonic plates. Linking mantle slabs to the surface plates requires approaches that follow geodynamic principles in a highly vigorous mantle. Here, we propose a new workflow that couples a slab unfolding approach and a mantle circulation model (MCM) through which tomotectonic reconstructions can be performed, evaluated and improved in a closed-loop experiment. We publish the most recent version of our unfolded-slab constrained, geodynamically self-consistent plate reconstruction, Tomopac2, in which comprehensive intra-oceanic subductions within the Pacific-Panthalassa realms are implemented. These intra-oceanic subductions are crucial for understanding the evolution of the mantle and surface tectonics in the central Pacific, western North America and East Asia since the Mesozoic. Our model also incorporates subduction along western South America. Our closed-loop experiment allows us to reinterpret published tomotectonic reconstructions based on the vertical sinking slabs hypothesis. We conclude that highly vigorous mantle flow that allows lateral slab transport up to 4000 km and non-constant sinking rates that deviate by up to 10 mm yr−1 locally within an approximately 1000 km area must be accounted for in tomotectonic reconstructions.

@article{id3085,
  author = {Chen, Yi-Wei and Wu, Jonny  and Bunge, Hans-Peter and Stotz, Ingo L. and Robl, Gabriel and Schuberth, Bernhard S. A.},
  doi = {10.1098/rspa.2024.0726},
  journal = {Proceedings of the Royal Society A},
  language = {en},
  number = {2318},
  title = {Tomopac2: an unfolded-slab plate reconstruction validated via mantle circulation models in a closed-loop experiment},
  volume = {481},
  year = {2025},
}

%O Journal Article
%A Chen, Yi-Wei
%A Wu, Jonny 
%A Bunge, Hans-Peter
%A Stotz, Ingo L.
%A Robl, Gabriel
%A Schuberth, Bernhard S. A.
%R 10.1098/rspa.2024.0726
%J Proceedings of the Royal Society A
%G en
%N 2318
%T Tomopac2: an unfolded-slab plate reconstruction validated via mantle circulation models in a closed-loop experiment
%V 481
%D 2025