Multichannel seismic evidence for tectonic migration in the Mariana subduction system

Abstract

AbstractThe Mariana subduction system is an ideal place for ocean–ocean convergence boundary research. As a typical example of an extensional subduction model, the subduction process, subduction mechanism and subduction effect of this system have long been popular research topics. The seismic reflection information of oceanic sedimentary layers shown on multichannel seismic profiles is an intuitive record of small‐ to medium‐scale structural activity and sedimentary sequence evolution and is an important source for studying plate‐coupling processes and tectonic dynamic action. This paper is based on the raw multichannel seismic data of MGL1204 in the Mariana arc forearc region; these data were obtained by using linear interference filter technique noise attenuation technology and multiple velocity iterations to accurately image the oceanic sedimentary layer, and the imagery is used to study the Cenozoic fracture activity and residual strata thickness distribution characteristics of the middle part of the Mariana forearc region and to explore the tectonic migration characteristics of the Cenozoic sedimentary basins. We believe that due to the influence of regional stress field changes caused by the movement directions of the Pacific Plate and Philippine Sea Plate towards the Eurasian Plate, the development of secondary structures in the western Pacific subduction zone shows a characteristic west‐to‐east migration, and the structural characteristics of the Mariana forearc Cenozoic sedimentary basin are consistent with the regional tectonic features. The faults, stratigraphy and depocentres of the oceanic sedimentary layer show a migration pattern from west to east and from north to south overall; 25 and 13 Ma are identified as two key tectonic migration periods, and the tectonic migration characteristics and time records of the basin also provide direct evidence for the plate reconstruction model of trench retreat and Philippine Sea plate rotation.