Dynamics of Plate Tectonics and Mantle Flow: From Local to Global Scales

Plate tectonics is regulated by driving and resisting forces concentrated at plate boundaries, but observationally constrained high-resolution models of global mantle flow remain a computational challenge. We capitalized on advances in adaptive mesh refinement algorithms on parallel computers to sim...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 2010-08, Vol.329 (5995), p.1033-1038
Main Authors: Stadler, Georg, Gurnis, Michael, Burstedde, Carsten, Wilcox, Lucas C, Alisic, Laura, Ghattas, Omar
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Algorithms
Boundaries
Computer simulation
Convergent boundaries
Dissipation
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Earthquakes
Exact sciences and technology
Flow velocity
Geomorphology
Geophysics
Internal geophysics
Kinematics
Kinetics
Lithosphere
Lower mantle
Mantle
Mathematical models
Plate tectonics
Slabs
Solid-earth geophysics, tectonophysics, gravimetry
Strain rate
Tectonic plate interactions
Tectonics. Structural geology. Plate tectonics
Viscosity
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Summary:Plate tectonics is regulated by driving and resisting forces concentrated at plate boundaries, but observationally constrained high-resolution models of global mantle flow remain a computational challenge. We capitalized on advances in adaptive mesh refinement algorithms on parallel computers to simulate global mantle flow by incorporating plate motions, with individual plate margins resolved down to a scale of 1 kilometer. Back-arc extension and slab rollback are emergent consequences of slab descent in the upper mantle. Cold thermal anomalies within the lower mantle couple into oceanic plates through narrow high-viscosity slabs, altering the velocity of oceanic plates. Viscous dissipation within the bending lithosphere at trenches amounts to approximately 5 to 20% of the total dissipation through the entire lithosphere and mantle.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.1191223