THE CONTROLLING INFLUENCE OF CORE AND MANTLE ON A HABITABLE PLANET: INTEGRATED SUBDUCTION ZONE SYSTEMS

Subduction zones are a major component of the Earth system. They are a critical influence on the habitable planet through a plethora of factors; Natural hazards (earthquakes,volcanoes and associated tsunamis and landslides), Economic resources (ore deposits, geothermal energy), climate (volatile fluxes to the atmosphere from volcanoes and fluxes to the deep Earth through subduction itself) and the production, through time, of the continental crust itself. While subduction zones have been studied extensively we argue that, given they are interconnected and complex systems, they demand a systematic, multidisciplinary and coordinated approach. We propose to develop a program of work which will provide this and will integrate approaches to allow us to understand subduction zone systems.

Given the demonstrable impact that subduction zones have on the habitable planet, we expect impact beyond academic beneficiaries to be extensive. Part of our brief will be to develop specific impact activities, but we recognise potential impact in;
1. Outreach and public education. The association of earthquakes, volcanoes and associated hazards (e.g. Japan, 2011) with subduction zones make them a compelling subject for education. We have argued that subduction zones are an ideal way to teach "systems" and the interconnectedness of components (e.g. connections between volcanism, atmosphere/ climate, soils, ecology, ore deposits, geothermal energy).
2. Hazard and risk mitigation. A better understanding of the hazards associated with subduction will inevitably allow us to inform policy and mitigate risk.
3. Economic benefit. A better understanding of how heat and fluids are controlled and distributed in subduction zone systems will allow us to help constrain the types and sizes of ore deposits and geothermal resources.