Make subductions diverse again

In the original plate-tectonic centric framework for Earth evolution as proposed in 1960s, term ‘subduction’ was initially applied to down thrusting of oceanic lithosphere below a continental or upper plate, delineated by Wadati-Benioff zone earthquake foci. Over time, use has broadened and its meaning weakened application diversity mechanisms accommodating lithospheric convergence, foundering recycling. This led complex sterile debates regarding tectonic processes orogens, initiation (modern) plate tectonics, regime on other planets, hampering clear concise discussion those problems. We discuss three instances where ill-defined “subduction” even “proto-subduction”, through biases polysemism, hampered scientific discourse, namely (i) Cenozoic subduction Western Tethys leading formation European Alps; (ii) (eo)Archean; and, (iii) recycling Venus. highlight that Benioff-type is only one spectrum have operated time (Archean present) into mantle. propose summarizes various end-member modes focussing two parameters type being foundered mantle mechanical driver process, which might predominantly control convergence