Eclogite Induced Lithospheric Drips: Implications for the Removal of the Lithosphere at Magmatic Arcs and Orogens

Abstract

ABSTRACTDripping of lower crustal eclogites has been proposed to explain various geological, geophysical, and petrological observations. While eclogite dripping can trigger mantle lithosphere removal, the factors controlling its style and magnitude remain unclear. Numerical experiments in this study identify three geodynamic modes based on the thickness, width, and density of the eclogite, as well as the mantle lithosphere's density. Type‐1 involves eclogite detachment with small‐scale lithospheric drips, Type‐2 represents large‐scale drips with eclogite involvement, and Type‐3 describes a stable lithosphere with intact eclogite. The lithospheric drip process is transient, with episodic eclogite removal potentially explaining pulsating magmatism beneath orogens. These findings provide insight into the causes and consequences of eclogite‐induced lithospheric drips and may help explain lithospheric deformation in the central Andes, southern Sierra Nevada, Tibet, and passive margins where eclogite remains intact.