Evidence of Multiple Subducting Slabs Beneath Sulawesi From Teleseismic P‐Wave Tomography

Abstract The tectonic evolution of Sulawesi is shaped by complex subduction processes, yet the geometry and extent of its slabs remain debated. Using teleseismic P‐wave tomography, we present a new 3‐D model of the lithosphere and underlying upper mantle beneath Sulawesi, based on passive seismic data from 89 seismic stations. Our results reveal three distinct slabs beneath North Sulawesi: a south‐dipping Celebes Sea slab, a westward‐subducting Sangihe slab, and a north‐dipping structure that likely represents the Sula slab. We also identify a prominent low‐velocity anomaly beneath the East Arm of Sulawesi (∼200–500 km depth), which we interpret as the inflow of deep mantle required as extension occurred. Furthermore, a separate low‐velocity anomaly beneath the Tambarana Fault suggests it to be a major lithospheric‐scale structure that extends down into the upper mantle. These findings provide new constraints on subduction dynamics and highlight the role of deep mantle processes in driving surface magmatism.