Spatial distribution of mineral deposits along eastern Mediterranean subduction zone: a link with 3D mantle flow associated with slab rollback ?
Abstract
Relationship between ore genesis and plate tectonics are now well established as evidenced by the strong correlation between plate boundaries and ore deposit distribution. Three main stages of metallogenic evolution seem to be related to Neothethys closure and induced subduction dynamics changes. The striking feature of Hellenic slab is a narrow convex arc shape. This curvature is more likely the response of the slab retrograde motion in a toroidal component of the 3D return flow. Here, we explore the idea where the heat source is provided by a 3D asthenospheric mantle flow associated with the retreating Hellenic slab since at least 20 Ma. We propose to identify toroidal component such as one of parameters responsible of the subduction zone dynamics and ore deposits distribution related.