Wedge‐Shaped Southern Indian Continental Margin Without Proper Weakness Hinders Subduction Initiation

Abstract The closure of a subduction zone with continental terrane collision and accretion is generally thought to be followed by the initiation new in neighboring oceanic plate, which suggested happen repeatedly during evolution Tethyan system. Although Indian‐Asian has occurred for >50 Myrs, there still no clear sign (SI) northern Indian puzzling issue requires further investigations. This problem studied here systematic 3‐D thermo‐mechanical numerical models constant stress boundary condition. model results indicate that lack proper weak zones at passive margin plays critical role hindering collapse SI plate. In addition, wedge‐shaped southern provides an additional resistance SI. However, strain localization shortening Tibetan Plateau does not have significant effect on plate current models, studies wider explain why Ocean pushing from high gravitational potential energy uplifted seafloor spreading Northern Ocean, predict future more likely occur northwestern than northeastern region due continuous counterclockwise rotation Continent.