Abstract
Statistical comparison of subduction zones helps to understand their variability and the respective influences of the acting forces. To allow such a statistical analysis, we have built SubductionZones, a global database which describes all the current oceanic subduction zones around the world.<br />Most of the observations argue for a strong influence of overriding plate and of its motion direction on subduction dynamics. Subducting plate and slab characteristics seem to control plate motions, but their influence on trench motion, overriding plate deformation and slab geometry are likely to be negligible. Some evidences of mantle flows influences have also been enlightened.<br />As it provides the theoretical and dynamical framework for statistical observations interpretation, physical modelling (experimental and numerical) is complementary with statistical approach. Experimental models have thus allowed us to test how overriding plate motion could influence trench motion, slab geometry and overriding plate deformation.