Towards a realistic simulation of plate margins in mantle convection

1995/04/15 by Shijie Zhong, Michael Gurnis · 2 citations
Earth and Planetary Sciences · #High-pressure geophysics and materials #Geological and Geochemical Analysis #earthquake and tectonic studies

paper · pdf · doi:10.1029/95gl00782

Abstract

We have incorporated faults as plate margins into time‐dependent mantle convection models by using a mixed Eulerian and Lagrangian finite element formulation. Plate margins in our models can migrate dynamically in response to variations in mantle buoyancy, and this enables us to study the dynamics of mantle and plates including changes in plate size. Convection models in a cylindrical geometry with such a faulted converging margin, non‐Newtonian rheology, and continents indicate that the converging margin tends to migrate oceanward. The oceanward trench migration leads to an increase in the size of the overriding continental plate.

Cited by

• Numerical geodynamic models of the early Earth tectonics: framework, limitations, and perspectives on future directions
• The effect of rheological parameters on plate behaviour in a self-consistent model of mantle convection

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