Dynamics Modeling of Discrete Faulting Processes at Mid-Ocean Ridges

这是一项关于海脊断裂机制的研究。首席研究人员将开发岩石圈变形模型，该模型明确考虑一组离散断层上的断层过程。研究的三个阶段是：(1)研究单一正断层在海脊构造应力和随后的岩石圈变形下的基本力学；(2)研究地壳中多个断层之间的力学相互作用及其对大洋中脊附近断层模式的影响。(3)应用第一阶段和第二阶段的理论成果，确定中大西洋海脊勘探区的断裂特征。研究多断裂系统的目的是检验这样一种假设，即近山脊断层的紧密间隔是断层间机械相互作用的结果，而缓慢展开的山脊处裂谷的宽度受岩石圈板块厚度的控制。

This is an investigation of the mechanics of ridge faulting. The Principal Investigators will develop lithospheric deformation models that explicitly consider faulting processes on a set of discrete faults. Three phases of the investigation are: (1) to examine the basic mechanics of a single normal fault under ridge tectonic stresses and subsequent lithospheric deformation, (2) to investigate the mechanical interaction among multiple faults in the crust and its effects on faulting patterns near a mid- ocean ridge, and (3) to apply the theoretical results from phase 1 and 2 to determine the characteristics of faulting in well surveyed areas of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The objectives of studying a multiply-faulted system are to test the hypothesis that the close spacing of near-ridge faults os the result of mechanical interactions between faults, and that the width of the rift valley at a slow-spareding ridge is controlled by the thickness of the lithospheric plate.