A preliminary analysis of arcuate structures-relationship of the island arc and deep-sea trench to the dip angle of Benioff zone

The origin of arcuate islands and deep-sea trenches has been studied for a long time and various interpretations have been proposed. In this paper, some analytical models are put forward from a geometrical viewpoint and then the theoretical dip angles of the underthrusting slabs of circum-Pacific island arcs are computed and compared with those of the Benioff zone. As a result, it is found that the dip angle of the underthrusting slab is one of the main factors determining the curvature of the arcuate structure. The authors consider that this result may contribute to the plate theory.