Numerical Facility in Geodynamics

0236756昆斯这笔赠款的支持将有助于在缅因州大学建造一个地球动力学模拟的数值设施，以研究岩石圈和地幔变形中出现的力学和热问题。具体而言，PI将通过构建三维模型来研究大气和构造过程之间的耦合程度，该模型以西藏东部、新西兰和阿拉斯加东南部活动构造区的观测为条件。在相关的研究中，PI正在研究板块会聚期间超高压变质地形形成和折返的必要条件。数值设施的首要目标是为那些对地球有直观感觉，但不一定对连续介质力学有很强把握的人提供将连续介质力学应用于地质过程的工具。该设施旨在消除地球科学家在解力学方程时遇到的一些困难，从而使人们能够集中精力研究成因过程和相关观测。 数值设施研究的一个重要组成部分是将现代可视化技术应用于数值结果，以加强建模者和地质学家之间的沟通，并向更广泛的教育受众传播结果。

0236756KoonsSupport from this grant will contribute to the construction of a numerical facility for Geodynamical Modeling at the University of Maine to investigate mechanical and thermal problems arising in lithosphere and mantle deformation. Specifically, the PI's will examine the degree of coupling among atmospheric and tectonic processes through construction of three-dimensional models conditioned by observations from the active tectonic regions of eastern Tibet, New Zealand and southeast Alaska. In related research, the PI's are examining the necessary conditions for formation and exhumation of ultra-high pressure metamorphism terrains during plate convergence. The overriding objective of the numerical facility is to provide tools for application of continuum mechanics to geological processes for those with an intuitive feel for the earth, but not necessarily a strong grasp on continuum mechanics. The facility is designed to remove some of the difficulties encountered by earth scientists in solution of mechanical equations, thereby allowing concentration upon the causative processes and the relevant observations. An important component of research at the numerical facility will be in applying modern visualization techniques to numerical results to enhance communication among modelers and geologists, and to allow dissemination of results to a wider educational audience.***