– There is a subduction zone called the Gibraltar arc below the Gibraltar Strait between Portugal and Morocco that has been creeping westward for around 30 million years.
– The subduction zone has stalled in its movement over the past 5 million years, but new modeling suggests it is still active.
– The modeling indicates the Gibraltar arc will resume advancing over the next 20 million years and eventually “invade” the Atlantic Ocean through a process called subduction invasion.
– If this occurs, it could lead to the formation of an Atlantic “Ring of Fire” similar to the Pacific Ring of Fire, with subduction zones encircling the entire Atlantic Ocean.
– Over many millions of years, this would cause the Atlantic Ocean floor to subduct on both sides and gradually close up the Atlantic Ocean.
– The study provides evidence the Gibraltar arc’s stillness in recent times is a result of its extended period of slow movement as it approaches the Atlantic.
– Confirming the subduction zone is still creeping supports the possibility it may one day break through into the Atlantic with significant geological consequences.
Source: livescience
