Geology Subduction Slab Dip Calculator
Actual slab segment depth/horizontal projection dip, not total subduction geometry or infer earthquakes from angle.
Description
Slab dip relates a reconstructed depth difference to horizontal projection.
Slab dip relates a reconstructed depth difference to horizontal projection.1
The geometric angle differs from a full three-dimensional slab model. Use this tool to calculate the stated observation or conditional model from supplied measurements.
When to use Geology Subduction Slab Dip Calculator
Use this tool to calculate the stated observation or conditional model from supplied measurements. Establish the sample and coordinate basis, matching units, calibration source and applicable model assumptions.
How to use Geology Subduction Slab Dip Calculator and understand its results
- Establish the sample and coordinate basis, matching units, calibration source and applicable model assumptions.
- Enter actualSlabDepthDifferenceKm, actualHorizontalSlabProjectionKm, using the field meanings and rules below, then run the tool.
- Read result.observedSlabDipDegrees. Interpret each field using the units, signs and evidence rules below.
- If input validation fails, correct the reported field and run again. Before applying a successful result, check the stated reference scope, units, assumptions and any retained unknown evidence.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| actualSlabDepthDifferenceKm | Actual slab depth difference km | number | Required |
| actualHorizontalSlabProjectionKm | Actual horizontal slab projection km | number | Required |
Require nonnegative depth difference and positive horizontal projection in matching kilometers. Return atan2(depth,horizontal) converted to degrees; zero depth gives zero dip. No three-dimensional reconstruction is performed.
slabDipDegrees=(180/pi)×atan2(depthDifferenceKm,horizontalProjectionKm) Apply the field units and exact ordering, boundary and evidence rules above.
| Output field | Meaning | Value type |
|---|---|---|
| result | Structured result containing the calculation or selected reference fields below | object |
| result.observedSlabDipDegrees | Observed Slab Dip Degrees; use the units, sign convention and calculation stated above | number |
{
"input": {
"actualSlabDepthDifferenceKm": 3,
"actualHorizontalSlabProjectionKm": 4
},
"output": {
"result": {
"observedSlabDipDegrees": 36.86989764584402
}
}
}Limitations and assumptions
The geometric angle differs from a full three-dimensional slab model. Results depend on the independently established measurement basis and the exact model assumptions above.
Every listed input requires an explicit value. Unexpected fields, incorrect value types, nonfinite numbers and sparse numeric arrays fail validation; tool-specific bounds and alignment rules apply as described above. Extremely large inputs or outputs can also be rejected. An input error is distinct from a successful calculation that reports a false comparison or retains unknown evidence.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use Geology Paleoslope Calculator to examine a related aspect: A reconstructed paleoslope relates signed vertical drop to horizontal run.
Use Geology Critical Taper Wedge Angle Calculator where its separate inputs and scope apply: Wedge taper describes the combined surface-slope and basal-dip geometry.
References
-
Geology Subduction Slab Dip Calculator — tool.io
Similar or alternative tools
- Geology Paleoslope Calculator
A reconstructed paleoslope relates signed vertical drop to horizontal run.
- Geology Critical Taper Wedge Angle Calculator
Wedge taper describes the combined surface-slope and basal-dip geometry.