A stratigraphic record of subduction geodynamics

Subduction occurs at the boundaries of tectonic plates, when one plate is forced below another. This process is responsible for the creation of the world’s great mountain ranges. This thesis examines a 100 million year old subduction boundary in New Zealand to try to better understand what happens when subduction ends. This thesis examined stacking patterns of sedimentary rocks in Marlborough, which revealed that as subduction shut-down in New Zealand, the land surface experienced kilometre scale changes in elevation and volcanic eruptions. These changes where the result of the tearing-off of part of the tectonic plate as subduction ended.