Subduction zones form as higher density oceanic lithosphere is forced beneath an over-riding, lower density, continental or oceanic plate; a process driven by contrasts in buoyancy throughout this system. We seek to explore subduction zones in which the subducting lithosphere is discontinuous after passing through the trench, forming a slab gap. The main research objective is to determine the effect of slab gaps on surface topography in a subduction-related orogen and asthenospheric flow into

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... e mantle wedge using two and three-dimensional numerical mechanical models. We obtain results from 24+ models that suggest a connection between slab gaps/holes and the magnitude and trend of topography produced during the first several million years of subduction. Two-dimensional models suggest there may be flow into slab gaps and tears, affecting mantle flow around the slab and producing less topography in the orogen. Three-dimensional models suggest the opposite is true, with larger slab gaps/holes producing less surface topography above the gap. The three-dimensional models also suggest that subduction-related orogens may have associated curvature above regions where slab gaps are present. This work shows new ways to test for the potential slab gaps/holes in subduction zones by looking at flow fields, surface topography, and orogenic/slab curvature.