Earth Science Frontiers ›› 2025, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (6): 29-60.DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2025.7.80

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Overview of magmatic arc system

$\boxed{\hbox{DENG Jinfu}}$   

  1. School of Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
  • Received:2025-01-01 Revised:2025-06-01 Online:2025-11-25 Published:2025-11-12

Abstract:

Classical plate tectonics theory posits that no magmatic activity occurs between the trench and the volcanic arc, with magma primarily originating from the mantle wedge above the subducting oceanic slab. The discovery of adakites in the last century demonstrated that subducting oceanic crust itself can undergo partial melting. Recent studies have further revealed that various parts of oceanic plates, such as oceanic plateaus (aseismic ridges) and active mid-ocean ridges, can also subduct and generate partial melting, forming magmatic arcs. This paper analyzes global examples of magmatic arcs formed by the subduction of different oceanic plate components. We propose six distinct types of magmatic arc systems (MAS): (1) MAS formed by subduction of aged oceanic crust; (2) MAS formed by subduction of oceanic plateaus; (3) MAS formed by subduction of active mid-ocean ridges; (4) MAS formed by subduction of young oceanic crust; (5) MAS formed by subduction of the youngest oceanic crust; and (6) MAS formed by subduction of normal oceanic crust. For each type, we discuss and summarize the formation mechanisms, the petrotectonic assemblages of igneous rocks, and their spatiotemporal evolutionary characteristics. This study serves as a framework for further research on magmatic arc systems preserved within the continental block of China. It provides novel perspectives for constraining the nature of subducted oceanic slabs and reconstructing the composition of vanished ancient oceanic plates, offering new insights for the study of oceanic plate geology.

Key words: types of magmatic arc systems, aged oceanic crust, oceanic plateau, active mid-ocean ridges, young oceanic crust, oceanic plate geology

CLC Number: