Geophysical evidence of large-scale silica-rich fluid flow above the continental subduction interface

Fluids in subduction zones can have major effects on subduction dynamics. However, geophysical constraints on the scale and impact of fluid flow during continental subduction are still limited. Here we analyze the VP/VS ratios in the Western Alpine region, hosting one of the best-preserved fossil continental subduction zones worldwide, to investigate the impact of fluid flow during continental subduction. We found a belt of high VP/VS ratios >1.9 on the upper-plate side of the subduction zone, consistent with a partially serpentinized upper-plate mantle, and a belt of unusually low VP/VS ratios <1.7 on the lower-plate side, at depths shallower than 30 km. We propose that these low VP/VS ratios result from a widespread network of silica-rich veins, indicating past fluid flow along the continental subduction interface. Our results suggest that past fluid flow may have reduced the effective stress along the subduction interface thus favoring continental subduction.