Continued Mathematical Modeling of Seafloor Hydrothermal Systems: Fracture Mechanics, Heat Transfer, and the Evolution of Permeability

这一奖项是对私人投资机构继续开发海底热液过程数学模型的基于成就的更新。该奖项将支持分为两个主要科学主题的建模研究：稳定性和时间变异性。这些模型将与观测结果密切相关，希望模型预测将指导后续的实地工作。稳定性主题涉及跨越基础边界层的热传递的基本方面。主要目标是开发一种断裂力学模型，该模型在山脊系统中产生与观测一致的热量和质量传递，并研究热液系统底部裂缝的稳定性和扩展。时间变异性主题涉及以下过程：(A)热的深循环热液流体与较冷的浅循环海水混合造成的渗透率演变；(B)水热系统对地震的反应。这些模型的开发将与各种数据集密切相关，包括来自EPR 9-10N、南方EPR和胡安德富卡山脊的热和同位素数据。这项研究的更广泛的影响集中在本科生的培训和教育，对Ridge 2000综合研究(IS)计划的支持，以及对研究成果的传播。

This award is an Accomplishment-Based Renewal for the PIs to continue to develop mathematical models of seafloor hydrothermal processes. The award will support modeling studies divided into two main scientific themes: Stability and Temporal Variability. The models will be strongly linked to observations, and, hopefully, the model predictions will guide subsequent field efforts. The Stability theme addresses fundamental aspects of heat transfer across the basal boundary layer. The main objective is to develop a fracture mechanics model that yields heat and mass transfer in ridge crest systems that is consistent with observations and that addresses the stability and propagation of fractures at the base of the hydrothermal system. The Temporal Variability theme addresses processes of: (a) permeability evolution resulting from mixing between hot deep-circulating hydrothermal fluids and cooler, shallowly circulating seawater and (b) hydrothermal system response to earthquakes. Development of these models will be closely linked to various data sets including thermal and isotopic data from the EPR 9- 10N, the Souther EPR, and the Juan de Fuca Ridge. The Broader Implications of this research center on the training and education of both undergraduate students, suport of the RIDGE 2000 Integrated Studies (IS) program, and broa dissemination of research results.