Peer-reviewed Articles (also see Google Scholar)
Billen, Magali I Deep Slab Seismicity Limited by Rate of Deformation in the Transition Zone Journal Article Sciences Advances, 6 (eaaz7692), 2020. @article{billen_sciadv20, title = {Deep Slab Seismicity Limited by Rate of Deformation in the Transition Zone }, author = {Magali I. Billen }, url = {https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/6/22/eaaz7692.full}, doi = {10.1126/sciadv.aaz7692}, year = {2020}, date = {2020-05-27}, journal = {Sciences Advances}, volume = {6}, number = {eaaz7692}, abstract = {Deep earthquakes within subducting tectonic plates (slabs) are enigmatic because they appear similar to shallow earthquakes but must occur by a different mechanism. Previous attempts to explain the depth distribution of deep earthquakes in terms of the temperature at which possible triggering mechanisms are viable, fail to explain the spatial variability in seismicity. In addition to thermal constraints, proposed failure mechanisms for deep earth- quakes all require that sufficient strain accumulates in the slab at a relatively high stress. Here, I show that simula- tions of subduction with nonlinear rheology and compositionally dependent phase transitions exhibit strongly variable strain rates in space and time, which is similar to observed seismicity. Therefore, in addition to temperature, variations in strain rate may explain why there are large gaps in deep seismicity (low strain rate), and variable peaks in seismicity (bending regions), and, possibly, why there is an abrupt cessation of seismicity below 660 km.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Deep earthquakes within subducting tectonic plates (slabs) are enigmatic because they appear similar to shallow earthquakes but must occur by a different mechanism. Previous attempts to explain the depth distribution of deep earthquakes in terms of the temperature at which possible triggering mechanisms are viable, fail to explain the spatial variability in seismicity. In addition to thermal constraints, proposed failure mechanisms for deep earth- quakes all require that sufficient strain accumulates in the slab at a relatively high stress. Here, I show that simula- tions of subduction with nonlinear rheology and compositionally dependent phase transitions exhibit strongly variable strain rates in space and time, which is similar to observed seismicity. Therefore, in addition to temperature, variations in strain rate may explain why there are large gaps in deep seismicity (low strain rate), and variable peaks in seismicity (bending regions), and, possibly, why there is an abrupt cessation of seismicity below 660 km. |
Boneh, Yuval; Schottenfels, Emily; Kwong, Kevin; van Zelst, Iris; Tong, Xinyue; Eimer, Melody; Miller, Meghan S; Moresi, Louis; Warren, Jessica M; Wiens, Douglas A; Billen, Magali; Naliboff, John; Zhan, Zhongwen Intermediate-depth earthquakes controlled by incoming plate hydration along bending-related faults Journal Article Geophysical Research Letters, 46 , pp. 1–10, 2019. @article{boneh_etal_grl19, title = {Intermediate-depth earthquakes controlled by incoming plate hydration along bending-related faults}, author = {Yuval Boneh and Emily Schottenfels and Kevin Kwong and Iris van Zelst and Xinyue Tong and Melody Eimer and Meghan S. Miller and Louis Moresi and Jessica M. Warren and Douglas A. Wiens and Magali Billen and John Naliboff and Zhongwen Zhan}, doi = {10.1029/2018GL081585}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-03-22}, journal = {Geophysical Research Letters}, volume = {46}, pages = {1--10}, abstract = {Intermediate‐depth earthquakes (focal depths 70–300 km) are enigmatic with respect to their nucleation and rupture mechanism and the properties controlling their spatial distribution. Several recent studies have shown a link between intermediate‐depth earthquakes and the thermal‐petrological path of subducting slabs in relation to the stability field of hydrous minerals. Here we investigate whether the structural characteristics of incoming plates can be correlated with the intermediate‐depth seismicity rate. We quantify the structural characteristics of 17 incoming plates by estimating the maximum fault throw of bending‐related faults. Maximum fault throw exhibits a statistically significant correlation with the seismicity rate. We suggest that the correlation between fault throw and intermediate‐depth seismicity rate indicates the role of hydration of the incoming plate, with larger faults reflecting increased damage, greater fluid circulation, and thus more extensive slab hydration.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Intermediate‐depth earthquakes (focal depths 70–300 km) are enigmatic with respect to their nucleation and rupture mechanism and the properties controlling their spatial distribution. Several recent studies have shown a link between intermediate‐depth earthquakes and the thermal‐petrological path of subducting slabs in relation to the stability field of hydrous minerals. Here we investigate whether the structural characteristics of incoming plates can be correlated with the intermediate‐depth seismicity rate. We quantify the structural characteristics of 17 incoming plates by estimating the maximum fault throw of bending‐related faults. Maximum fault throw exhibits a statistically significant correlation with the seismicity rate. We suggest that the correlation between fault throw and intermediate‐depth seismicity rate indicates the role of hydration of the incoming plate, with larger faults reflecting increased damage, greater fluid circulation, and thus more extensive slab hydration. |
Billen, Magali I; Arredondo, Katrina M Decoupling of Plate-Asthenosphere Motion Caused by Non-linear Viscosity During Slab Folding in the Transition Zone Journal Article Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors, 281 , pp. 17-30, 2018. @article{billen_arredondo_pepi18, title = { Decoupling of Plate-Asthenosphere Motion Caused by Non-linear Viscosity During Slab Folding in the Transition Zone}, author = {Magali I. Billen and Katrina M. Arredondo}, doi = {10.1016/j.pepi.2018.04.011}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-05-03}, journal = {Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors}, volume = {281}, pages = {17-30}, abstract = {Although most present-day subduction zones are in trench retreat, plate reconstructions and geological observations show that individual margins experience episodes of advancing, retreating or stationary trench motion with time- variable subduction rates. However, most laboratory and numerical simulations predict steady plate velocities and sustained trench retreat unless the slab experiences folding in the transition zone. Using 2D dynamical models of subduction with a mobile trench and overriding plate, we find that rapid sinking of the slab during folding causes a reduction in asthenosphere viscosity through the non-linear rheology, which allows the overriding plate to move in the opposite direction of the asthenosphere. This decoupling of the direction of plate and asthenosphere flow allows for episodes of rapid trench advance after each slab folding event. By analyzing the interaction between slab deformation (sinking direction and speed), stress-induced changes in asthenosphere viscosity, asthenosphere flow and plate motions, we show that there are three modes of slab-flow-plate interaction: 1) coupled trench retreat during rapid vertical sinking, 2) coupled trench advance during prograde sinking of the slab, and 3) decoupled, rapid trench advance during folding with prograde motion of the shallow slab and retrograde motion of the deep slab. These results show that non-linear viscosity plays an important role in determining the force balance controlling trench motion and conversely that trench motion can be used as a constraint on the asthenosphere viscosity underlying the overriding plate. In addition, cooling by several hundreds of degrees during episodes of fast subduction could lead to a reduction in slab dehydration and fluid-induced melting in the mantle wedge. Such cold episodes would also likely lead to time-variability in the water content and related geochemical tracers in erupted lavas, as well as the amount of water being transported by slabs into the deep mantle.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Although most present-day subduction zones are in trench retreat, plate reconstructions and geological observations show that individual margins experience episodes of advancing, retreating or stationary trench motion with time- variable subduction rates. However, most laboratory and numerical simulations predict steady plate velocities and sustained trench retreat unless the slab experiences folding in the transition zone. Using 2D dynamical models of subduction with a mobile trench and overriding plate, we find that rapid sinking of the slab during folding causes a reduction in asthenosphere viscosity through the non-linear rheology, which allows the overriding plate to move in the opposite direction of the asthenosphere. This decoupling of the direction of plate and asthenosphere flow allows for episodes of rapid trench advance after each slab folding event. By analyzing the interaction between slab deformation (sinking direction and speed), stress-induced changes in asthenosphere viscosity, asthenosphere flow and plate motions, we show that there are three modes of slab-flow-plate interaction: 1) coupled trench retreat during rapid vertical sinking, 2) coupled trench advance during prograde sinking of the slab, and 3) decoupled, rapid trench advance during folding with prograde motion of the shallow slab and retrograde motion of the deep slab. These results show that non-linear viscosity plays an important role in determining the force balance controlling trench motion and conversely that trench motion can be used as a constraint on the asthenosphere viscosity underlying the overriding plate. In addition, cooling by several hundreds of degrees during episodes of fast subduction could lead to a reduction in slab dehydration and fluid-induced melting in the mantle wedge. Such cold episodes would also likely lead to time-variability in the water content and related geochemical tracers in erupted lavas, as well as the amount of water being transported by slabs into the deep mantle. |
Billen, Magali I Insights into the Causes of Arc Rifting from 2D Dynamic Models of Subduction Journal Article Geophysical Research Letters, 44 (1-10), 2017. @article{billen_grl17, title = {Insights into the Causes of Arc Rifting from 2D Dynamic Models of Subduction}, author = {Magali I Billen}, doi = {10.1002/2017GL075061}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-10-23}, journal = {Geophysical Research Letters}, volume = {44}, number = {1-10}, abstract = {Backarc spreading centers initiate as forearc or arc rifting events when extensional forces localize within lithosphere weakened by hydrous fluids or melting. Two models have been proposed for triggering forearc/arc rifting: roll-back of the subducting plate causing trench retreat, or motion of the overriding plate away from the subduction zone. This paper demonstrates that there is a third mechanism caused by an in situ instability that occurs when the thin high-viscosity boundary, which separates the weak forearc from the hot buoyant mantle wedge, is removed. Buoyant upwelling mantle causes arc rifting, drives the overriding plate away from the subducting plate, and there is sufficient heating of the subducting plate crust and overriding plate lithosphere to form adakite or boninite volcanism. For spontaneous forearc/arc rifting to occur a broad region of weak material must be present and one of the plates must be free to respond to the upwelling forces.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Backarc spreading centers initiate as forearc or arc rifting events when extensional forces localize within lithosphere weakened by hydrous fluids or melting. Two models have been proposed for triggering forearc/arc rifting: roll-back of the subducting plate causing trench retreat, or motion of the overriding plate away from the subduction zone. This paper demonstrates that there is a third mechanism caused by an in situ instability that occurs when the thin high-viscosity boundary, which separates the weak forearc from the hot buoyant mantle wedge, is removed. Buoyant upwelling mantle causes arc rifting, drives the overriding plate away from the subducting plate, and there is sufficient heating of the subducting plate crust and overriding plate lithosphere to form adakite or boninite volcanism. For spontaneous forearc/arc rifting to occur a broad region of weak material must be present and one of the plates must be free to respond to the upwelling forces. |
Arredondo, Katrina M; Billen, Magali I Coupled Effects of Phase Transitions and Rheology in 2D Dynamical Models of Subduction Journal Article Journal of Geophysical Research, 122 , 2017. @article{arredondo_billen_jgr17, title = {Coupled Effects of Phase Transitions and Rheology in 2D Dynamical Models of Subduction}, author = {Katrina M Arredondo and Magali I Billen}, doi = {10.1002/2017JB014374}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-01-01}, journal = {Journal of Geophysical Research}, volume = {122}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
He, Ying; Puckett, E G; Billen, Magali I A Discontinuous Galerkin Method with a Bound Preserving Limiter for Stable Advection of non-Diffusive Fields in Solid Earth Geodynamics Journal Article Physics of Earth and Planetary Interiors, 263 , pp. 23-37, 2017. @article{he_etal_pepi17, title = {A Discontinuous Galerkin Method with a Bound Preserving Limiter for Stable Advection of non-Diffusive Fields in Solid Earth Geodynamics}, author = {Ying He and E G Puckett and Magali I Billen}, doi = {10.1016/j.pepi.2016.12.001}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-01-01}, journal = {Physics of Earth and Planetary Interiors}, volume = {263}, pages = {23-37}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Arredondo, Katrina; Billen, Magali I The Effects of Phase Transitions and Compositional Layering in Two-dimensional Kinematic Models of Subduction Journal Article Journal of Geodynamics, 100 , pp. 159-174, 2016. @article{arredondo_billen_jgeodyn16, title = {The Effects of Phase Transitions and Compositional Layering in Two-dimensional Kinematic Models of Subduction}, author = {Katrina Arredondo and Magali I Billen}, doi = {10.1016/j.jog.2016.05.009}, year = {2016}, date = {2016-01-01}, journal = {Journal of Geodynamics}, volume = {100}, pages = {159-174}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Rodríguez-González, Juan; Billen, Magali I; Negredo, Ana M; Montési, L G J Journal of Geodynamics, 100 , pp. 175-183, 2016. @article{rodriguez-etal_jgedyn16, title = {Along-strike variation in subducting plate velocity induced by along-strike variation in overriding plate struc- ture: Insights from 3D numerical models}, author = {Juan Rodríguez-González and Magali I Billen and Ana M Negredo and L G J Montési}, doi = {10.1016/j.jog.2016.02.006}, year = {2016}, date = {2016-01-01}, journal = {Journal of Geodynamics}, volume = {100}, pages = {175-183}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Billen, Magali I Double-Dip (News & Views) Journal Article Nature Geoscience, 8 , pp. 428-429, 2015. @article{billen_natgeo15, title = {Double-Dip (News & Views)}, author = {Magali I. Billen}, doi = {10.1038/ngeo2431}, year = {2015}, date = {2015-05-04}, journal = {Nature Geoscience}, volume = {8}, pages = {428-429}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Taramón, Juan; Rodríguez-González, Juan; Negredo, Ana M; Billen, Magali I Influence of Cratonic Lithosphere on the Formation and Evolution of Flat Slabs: Insights from 3D Time-dependent Modeling Journal Article Geochemistry, Geophysics and Geosystems, 16 , 2015. @article{taramon_etal_gcubed15, title = {Influence of Cratonic Lithosphere on the Formation and Evolution of Flat Slabs: Insights from 3D Time-dependent Modeling}, author = {Juan Taramón and Juan Rodríguez-González and Ana M Negredo and Magali I Billen}, doi = {10.1002/2015GC005940}, year = {2015}, date = {2015-01-01}, journal = {Geochemistry, Geophysics and Geosystems}, volume = {16}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Rodríguez-González, Juan; Billen, Magali I; Negredo, Ana M Non-steady-state Subduction and Trench-Parallel Flow Induced by Overriding Plate Structure Journal Article Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 401 , pp. 227-235, 2014. @article{rodriguez_etal_epsl14, title = {Non-steady-state Subduction and Trench-Parallel Flow Induced by Overriding Plate Structure}, author = {Juan Rodríguez-González and Magali I Billen and Ana M Negredo}, year = {2014}, date = {2014-01-01}, journal = {Earth and Planetary Science Letters}, volume = {401}, pages = {227-235}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Valera, J L; Negredo, A M; Billen, M I; Jiménez-Munt, I Lateral migration of a foundering high-density root: Insights from numerical modeling applied to the southern Sierra Nevada Journal Article Lithos, 189 , pp. 77-88, 2014. @article{valera_etal_lithos14, title = {Lateral migration of a foundering high-density root: Insights from numerical modeling applied to the southern Sierra Nevada}, author = {J L Valera and A M Negredo and M I Billen and I Jiménez-Munt}, doi = {10.1016/j.lithos.2013.08.021}, year = {2014}, date = {2014-01-01}, journal = {Lithos}, volume = {189}, pages = {77-88}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Arrial, Pierre-André; Billen, Magali I Influence of Geometry and Eclogitization on Oceanic Plateau Subduction Journal Article Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 363 , pp. 34-43, 2013. @article{arrial_billen_epsl13, title = {Influence of Geometry and Eclogitization on Oceanic Plateau Subduction}, author = {Pierre-André Arrial and Magali I Billen}, doi = {10.1016/j.epsl.2012.12.011}, year = {2013}, date = {2013-01-01}, journal = {Earth and Planetary Science Letters}, volume = {363}, pages = {34-43}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Jadamec, Margarete A; Billen, Magali I; Roeske, Sarah M Three-dimensional numerical models of flat slab subduction and the Denali fault driving deformation in south-central Alaska Journal Article Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 376 , pp. 29-42, 2013. @article{jadamec_etal_epsl13, title = {Three-dimensional numerical models of flat slab subduction and the Denali fault driving deformation in south-central Alaska}, author = {Margarete A Jadamec and Magali I Billen and Sarah M Roeske}, doi = {10.1016/j.epsl.2013.06.009}, year = {2013}, date = {2013-01-01}, journal = {Earth and Planetary Science Letters}, volume = {376}, pages = {29-42}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Naliboff, John B; Billen, Magali I; Gerya, Taras; Saunders, Jessie Dynamics of outer-rise faulting in oceanic-continental subduction systems Journal Article Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems, 14 (7), pp. 2310, 2013. @article{naliboff_etal_gcubed13, title = {Dynamics of outer-rise faulting in oceanic-continental subduction systems}, author = {John B Naliboff and Magali I Billen and Taras Gerya and Jessie Saunders}, doi = {10.1002/qqqe.20155}, year = {2013}, date = {2013-01-01}, journal = {Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems}, volume = {14}, number = {7}, pages = {2310}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Arredondo, Katrina; Billen, Magali I Rapid Weakening of Subducting Plates from Trench-Parallel Estimates of Flexural Rigidity Journal Article Physics of Earth and Planetary Interiors, 196--197 (1-13), 2012. @article{arredondo_billen_pepi12, title = {Rapid Weakening of Subducting Plates from Trench-Parallel Estimates of Flexural Rigidity}, author = {Katrina Arredondo and Magali I Billen}, doi = {10.1016/j.pepi.2012.02.007}, year = {2012}, date = {2012-01-01}, journal = {Physics of Earth and Planetary Interiors}, volume = {196--197}, number = {1-13}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Billen, Magali I; Jadamec, Margarete Origin of localized fast mantle flow velocity in numerical models of subduction Journal Article Geochemistry, Geophysics and Geosystems (G$^3$), 13 (1), pp. Q01016, 2012. @article{billen_jadamec_gcubed12, title = {Origin of localized fast mantle flow velocity in numerical models of subduction}, author = {Magali I Billen and Margarete Jadamec}, doi = {10.1029/2011GC003856}, year = {2012}, date = {2012-01-01}, journal = {Geochemistry, Geophysics and Geosystems (G$^3$)}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {Q01016}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Hines, Joy M; Billen, Magali I Sensitivity of the short-to-intermediate wavelength geoid to rheologic structure in subduction zones Journal Article Journal of Geophysical Research, 2012. @article{hines_billen_jgr12, title = {Sensitivity of the short-to-intermediate wavelength geoid to rheologic structure in subduction zones}, author = {Joy M Hines and Magali I Billen}, doi = {10.1029/2011JB008978}, year = {2012}, date = {2012-01-01}, journal = {Journal of Geophysical Research}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Jadamec, Margarete A; Billen, Magali I The role of rheology and slab shape on rapid mantle flow: Three-dimensional numerical models of the Alaska slab edge Journal Article Journal of Geophysical Research, 117 (B2), 2012. @article{jadamec_billen_jgr12, title = {The role of rheology and slab shape on rapid mantle flow: Three-dimensional numerical models of the Alaska slab edge}, author = {Margarete A Jadamec and Magali I Billen}, doi = {10.1029/2011JB008562}, year = {2012}, date = {2012-01-01}, journal = {Journal of Geophysical Research}, volume = {117}, number = {B2}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Jadamec, Margarete A; Billen, Magali I; Kreylos, Oliver Three-dimensional Simulations of Geometrically Complex Subduction with Large Viscosity Variations Inproceedings Proceedings of the ACM XSEDE 2012, 2012. @inproceedings{jadamec_etal_xsede12, title = {Three-dimensional Simulations of Geometrically Complex Subduction with Large Viscosity Variations}, author = {Margarete A Jadamec and Magali I Billen and Oliver Kreylos}, year = {2012}, date = {2012-01-01}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the ACM XSEDE 2012}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {inproceedings} } |