Subduction Zone Geodynamics

Subduction is a major process that plays a first-order role in the dynamics of the Earth. The sinking of cold lithosphere into the mantleis thought by many authors to be the most important source of energyfor plates driving forces. It also deeply modifies the thermal andchemical structure of the mantle, producing arc volcanism and isresponsible for the release of most of the seismic energy on Earth.There has been considerable achievements done during the past decadesregarding the complex interactions between the various processesacting in subduction zones. This volume contains a collection ofcontributions that were presented in June 2007 in Montpellier(France) during a conference that gave a state of the art panorama anddiscussed the perspectives about "Subduction Zone Geodynamics". The papers included in this special volume offer a uniquemultidisciplinary picture of the recent research on subduction zonesgeodynamics. They are organized into five main topics: Subduction zone geodynamics, Seismic tomography and anisotropy, Greatsubduction zone earthquakes, Seismogenic zone characterization,Continental and ridge subduction processes. Each of the 13 papers collected in the present volume is primarily concerned with one ofthese topics. However, it is important to highlight that papers always treat morethan one topic so that all are related lighting on different aspectsof the complex and fascinating subduction zones geodynamics.