Global Paleo-Dynamics

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The research consists to two components: First, is the observational constraints necessary for the project. A large amount of information on the history of plate motions and on the distribution of possible driving forces will be compiled and represented in ways that are useful for dynamical calculations. Second, modelling techniques will be developed for application to present-day plate motions to understand the forces that have controlled past plate motions, inferring also the history of associated mantle flow and viscous stresses. These models will be useful not only in understanding plate tectonics and mantle convection, but also the long-term history of mantle heterogeneity, along with associated variations in the geoid, dynamic topography, Earth rotation,a nd sea-level. The overall goal of this research is to create a computer laboratory for studying the dynamics of past plate motions and their influence on the geophysical (and geochemical) evolution of the plate. This project is jointly funded by NSF and NASA.