GeoFramework: Coupling multiple models of mantle convection within a computational framework

Tan, Eh; Choi, Eunseo; Thoutireddy, P.; Gurnis, Michael; Aivazis, M.

doi:10.1029/2005gc001155

Cited by 144 publications

(110 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…The standard hydrodynamic partial differential equations of mantle flow are solved using the spherical code CitcomS [Tan et al, 2006;Zhong et al, 2000] with free-slip boundary conditions at top and bottom surfaces.…”

Section: Time-dependent 3-d Spherical Shell Convection Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

The importance of temporal stress variation and dynamic disequilibrium for the initiation of plate tectonics

2016

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We use 1‐D thermal history models and 3‐D numerical experiments to study the impact of dynamic thermal disequilibrium and large temporal variations of normal and shear stresses on the initiation of plate tectonics. Previous models that explored plate tectonics initiation from a steady state, single plate mode of convection concluded that normal stresses govern the initiation of plate tectonics, which based on our 1‐D model leads to plate yielding being more likely with increasing interior heat and planet mass for a depth‐dependent Byerlee yield stress. Using 3‐D spherical shell mantle convection models in an episodic regime allows us to explore larger temporal stress variations than can be addressed by considering plate failure from a steady state stagnant lid configuration. The episodic models show that an increase in convective mantle shear stress at the lithospheric base initiates plate failure, which leads with our 1‐D model to plate yielding being less likely with increasing interior heat and planet mass. In this out‐of‐equilibrium and strongly time‐dependent stress scenario, the onset of lithospheric overturn events cannot be explained by boundary layer thickening and normal stresses alone. Our results indicate that in order to understand the initiation of plate tectonics, one should consider the temporal variation of stresses and dynamic disequilibrium.

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Section: Time-dependent 3-d Spherical Shell Convection Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

The importance of temporal stress variation and dynamic disequilibrium for the initiation of plate tectonics

2016

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“…CitcomS is a second-order finite-element code written in C. Its purpose is to explore mantle convection problems in 3-D spherical geometry (Zhong et al, 2000;Tan et al, 2006). Developed from the software Citcom (Moresi and Solomatov, 1995;Moresi et al, 1996), a code structured for 3-D Cartesian geometry, CitcomS employs an Uzawa algorithm to solve the momentum equation coupled with the incompressibility constraints (Ramage and Wathen, 1994).…”

Section: Citcomsmentioning

confidence: 99%

On the sensitivity of 3-D thermal convection codes to numerical discretization: a model intercomparison

et al. 2014

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Abstract. Fully 3-D numerical simulations of thermal convection in a spherical shell have become a standard for studying the dynamics of pattern formation and its stability under perturbations to various parameter values. The question arises as to how the discretization of the governing equations affects the outcome and thus any physical interpretation. This work demonstrates the impact of numerical discretization on the observed patterns, the value at which symmetry is broken, and how stability and stationary behavior is dependent upon it. Motivated by numerical simulations of convection in the Earth's mantle, we consider isoviscous Rayleigh-Bénard convection at infinite Prandtl number, where the aspect ratio between the inner and outer shell is 0.55. We show that the subtleties involved in developing mantle convection models are considerably more delicate than has been previously appreciated, due to the rich dynamical behavior of the system. Two codes with different numerical discretization schemes -an established, communitydeveloped, and benchmarked finite-element code (CitcomS) and a novel spectral method that combines Chebyshev polynomials with radial basis functions (RBFs) -are compared. A full numerical study is investigated for the following three cases. The first case is based on the cubic (or octahedral) initial condition (spherical harmonics of degree = 4). How this pattern varies to perturbations in the initial condition and Rayleigh number is studied. The second case investigates the stability of the dodecahedral (or icosahedral) initial condition (spherical harmonics of degree = 6). Although both methods first converge to the same pattern, this structure is ultimately unstable and systematically degenerates to cubic or tetrahedral symmetries, depending on the code used. Lastly, a new steady-state pattern is presented as a combination of third-and fourth-order spherical harmonics leading to a fivecell or hexahedral pattern and stable up to 70 times the critical Rayleigh number. This pattern can provide the basis for a new accuracy benchmark for 3-D spherical mantle convection codes.

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“…We used a modified version of the finite element code CitcomS [Tan et al, 2006;Zhong et al, 2000] to solve for thermal convection within an incompressible viscous mantle with plate velocities applied as kinematic boundary conditions on the upper surface. The subduction models used a mesh with lateral grid spacing of 50 and 23 km on the surface and at the core-mantle boundary (CMB) respectively (Table 2).…”

Section: Global Subduction Model Setupmentioning

confidence: 99%

Insights on the kinematics of the India‐Eurasia collision from global geodynamic models

Zahirovic

Müller

Seton

et al. 2012

Geochem Geophys Geosyst

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[1] The Eocene India-Eurasia collision is a first order tectonic event whose nature and chronology remains controversial. We test two end-member collision scenarios using coupled global plate motion-subduction models. The first, conventional model, invokes a continental collision soon after $60 Ma between a maximum extent Greater India and an Andean-style Eurasian margin. The alternative scenario involves a collision between a minimum extent Greater India and a NeoTethyan back-arc at $60 Ma that is subsequently subducted along southern Lhasa at an Andean-style margin, culminating with continent-continent contact at $40 Ma. Our numerical models suggest the conventional scenario does not adequately reproduce mantle structure related to Tethyan convergence. The alternative scenario better reproduces the discrete slab volumes and their lateral and vertical distribution in the mantle, and is also supported by the distribution of ophiolites indicative of Tethyan intraoceanic subduction, magmatic gaps along southern Lhasa and a two-stage slowdown of India. Our models show a strong component of southward mantle return flow for the Tethyan region, suggesting that the common assumption of near-vertical slab sinking is an oversimplification with significant consequences for interpretations of seismic tomography in the context of subduction reference frames.

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GeoFramework: Coupling multiple models of mantle convection within a computational framework

Cited by 144 publications

References 6 publications

The importance of temporal stress variation and dynamic disequilibrium for the initiation of plate tectonics

The importance of temporal stress variation and dynamic disequilibrium for the initiation of plate tectonics

On the sensitivity of 3-D thermal convection codes to numerical discretization: a model intercomparison

Insights on the kinematics of the India‐Eurasia collision from global geodynamic models

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