Collaborative Research: 3D modeling of subduction in the Pacific

pi将使用完全平行的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。三维方法将使他们能够研究沿走向变化的板块参数的影响，如板块倾角、进入岩石圈的年龄、收敛的方向和速度，以及上覆板块属性的横向变化。这种方法还将使他们能够量化沿走向楔形流动的影响，这种流动可能发生在板块边缘附近，也可能在俯冲带几何形状的横向变化引起上覆楔形压力梯度时产生。这种合作的努力将通过地震学和板块运动学的最佳本地观测来约束模型的几何形状。他们将使用楔形速度和各向异性结构的地震学观测来测试这些模型。要完成的主要科学目标是：1)将三维模型应用于选定数量的现今俯冲带，这些俯冲带在板块输入或观测值上沿走向有显著变化；2)弧平行流对俯冲带边缘地幔楔体条件的影响研究。这个项目可能产生的更广泛的影响包括，作为这项工作的一部分，将在密歇根大学、布朗大学和波士顿大学培训三名研究生。

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.