A Complex Pattern of Mantle Flow in the Lau Backarc

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1058763
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T09:52:41Z
• Authors: Gideon P. Smith; Douglas A. Wiens; Karen M. Fischer; Leroy M. Dorman; Spahr C. Webb; John A. Hildebrand
• Keywords: Hotspot (geology); Mantle plume

Shear-wave splitting analysis of local events recorded on land and the ocean floor in Tonga arc Lau backarc indicate a complex pattern azimuthal anisotropy that cannot be explained by mantle flow coupled to downgoing plate. These observations suggest direction rotates from convergence-parallel Fiji plateau north-south beneath basin arc-parallel arc. results correlate with helium isotopes map Samoan plume into through an opening tear Pacific