The effect of temperature-dependent material properties on simple thermal models of subduction zones

Abstract. To a large extent, the thermal structure of subduction zone determines where seismicity occurs through controls on transition from brittle to ductile deformation and depth dehydration reactions. Thermal models zones can help understand distribution by accurately modelling zone. Here, we assess common simplification in zones, i.e. constant values for parameters. We use temperature-dependent parameterisations, constrained lab data, conductivity, heat capacity, density systematically test their effect resulting slab. isolate this effect, well-defined, thoroughly studied, highly simplified model setup community benchmark van Keken et al. (2008) 2D finite-element code. ensure self-consistent realistic initial temperature profile slab, implement 1D plate cooling oceanic lithosphere with an age 50 Myr instead previously used half-space model. Our results show that using parameters affects slab changes order tens degrees hence kilometres. More specifically, slightly cooler e.g. 600 ∘C isotherm reaching almost 30 km deeper. From this, infer these would predict larger estimated seismogenic at which reactions responsible intermediate-depth occur. therefore recommend thermo(-mechanical) take into account, especially when inferences are made.