Abstract
We analyzed refraction and reflection seismic data covering the Central
Lau Spreading Center (CLSC) and the Tonga volcanic arc at 18 °S to
investigate tectonic inactivity in actively extending back-arc systems.
Our P-wave travel time tomography shows a characteristic 6-8 km thick
back-arc crust beneath and around the CLSC and a ~13 km
thick arc-crust at the eastern end of our profie. Lower crustal
velocities increase to 7.5 km/s towards the volcanic arc, marking the
change from back-arc to arc crust. These high P-wave velocities can be
explained by a high pyroxene continent in the lower crust originating
from depleted metls. Our seismic reflection data show steep normal
faults below the CLSC and volcanic structures closer to the volcanic
arc, without a tectonically active zone (also knows as the ‘diffuse
plate boundary’) in between, hence the Niuafo’ou and Tonga microplates
should be treated as one tectonic plate with local zones that deform,
but that are not fully developed plate boundaries. We build on the
concept that cold, depleted mantle material may invade the back-arc
domain, and argue that this invading mantle material cools the
overriding plate with increasing distance from the trench leading to 1)
relative strengthening of the overlying back-arc crust, b)
relocalisation of extension and c) tectonic quiescence in previously
active extending parts of the back-arc domain.