Relationship between subduction zone geometry, trench kinematics and great subduction earthquakes

Two fundamental unresolved questions in geophysics are what governs the migration of subduction zones, places where tectonic plates sink into the Earth s interior, and great earthquakes that occur along some of these zones. This project will investigate the role of the subduction zone geometry in determining the rate of such migration and in generating great earthquakes. Insight will be obtained from kinematic calculations for all subduction zones on Earth and geodynamic simulations. Outcomes will include new insight into the geodynamics of subduction zones surrounding the Australian continent, the required physical ingredients to generate great earthquakes and the definition of a new Earth reference frame for plate tectonics.