Collaborative Research: 3D modeling of subduction in the Pacific

PI将使用完全并行的Sepran有限元代码生成俯冲带的高分辨率3D模型，可用于克服2D模型的局限性。3D方法将使他们能够调查板参数的沿走向变化的影响，如板倾角，传入岩石圈的年龄，收敛的方向和速度，以及覆盖板的性质的横向变化。这种方法也将使他们能够量化的影响，沿走向楔流，这是可能发生在板边缘附近，或可以产生时，在上覆楔的压力梯度是由俯冲带的几何形状的横向变化引起的。这种合作努力将通过地震学和板块运动学的最佳当地观测来限制模型的几何形状。他们将使用楔形体速度和各向异性结构的地震观测来测试模型。要完成的主要科学目标是：1）三维模型的应用，以选定的一些现代俯冲带与显着的沿走向变化的板片输入或观测;（2）研究了电弧的影响;俯冲带边缘附近地幔楔条件下的平行流动。该项目的潜在更广泛影响涉及培训三名研究生作为这一努力的一部分，在密歇根大学，布朗大学和波士顿大学。

The PIs will use the fully parallel Sepran finite element code to generate high resolution 3D models of subduction zones that can be used to overcome the limitations of 2D models. The 3D approach will allow them to investigate the influence of along-strike variations in slab parameters such as slab-dip, age of incoming lithosphere, direction and speed of convergence, and lateral variations in properties of the overriding plate. This approach will also allow them to quantify the influence of along-strike wedge flow, which is likely to occur near slab edges or can be generated when pressure gradients in the overlying wedge are induced by lateral variations in the subduction zone geometry. This collaborative effort will constrain the model geometry by the best available local observations from seismology and plate kinematics. They will test the models using seismological observations of wedge velocity and anisotropy structure. The main scientific goals to be accomplished are: 1) the application of the 3D models to a selected number of present-day subduction zones with significant along-strike variations in slab input or observables; 2) an investigation of the influence of arc-parallel flow on mantle wedge conditions near the edges of subduction zones.The potential broader impacts of this project involve the training of three graduate students will be trained as a part of this effort, at Michigan, Brown and Boston University.