An integrated multiscale approach toward the deformation of Earth's continental lithosphere

我们建议应用我们的多尺度数值模拟来研究地壳和地幔的非均匀变形，发展更严格的韧性剪切带模型，确定大陆地壳的强度剖面和变形模式，并建立一种根据小尺度地质结构观测来约束构造边界条件的定量方法。地球在太阳系的类地行星中是独一无二的，因为它具有板块构造，导致板块边界和内部区域的岩石圈板块变形。了解这种形变的物理机制，对于了解地球和其他行星的演化，以及对生活在岩石圈上的人类的福祉，减轻自然灾害，并从岩石圈获得能源、矿产和其他资源，都具有极其重要的科学意义。尽管大陆形变与人类关系密切，但由于大陆岩石圈本质上的异质性，长期(数百万年)和巨大空间尺度(相当于北美大陆的大小)的大陆形变仍然鲜为人知。这项拟议的研究具有重要意义，不仅因为它的基本科学意义，而且还因为它的工业和社会应用。地质构造是地壳和地幔变形的标志，与地震、山体滑坡和斜坡破坏等地质灾害的产生有关。地质构造是地壳和地幔中流体和热流的管道或屏障，强烈影响地下水、气、油的运动以及贵金属和矿物的聚集。拟议实地考察的结果将阐明研究区域的区域构造以及地球大陆岩石圈总体上是如何变形和演化的。综合建模和现场方法将导致更有效的地质测绘、采矿以及矿产和能源资源的勘探。因此，研究成果将有助于加拿大采矿和勘探行业的经济。所有这些都将有助于提高加拿大作为主要国际研究参与者的地位。该研究计划作为一个平台，培训和激励许多高素质的人员(HQP)，掌握一些最先进的计算、野外测绘和实验室仪器操作技能。许多西方研究生和本科生、访问科学家和其他研究人员将参与研究活动。由于拟议研究的性质，结合了实地工作、实验室分析技术和数值模拟，HQP将接触到非常广泛的研究技术和方法，这些技术和方法将加强和扩大其各自研究领域的范围。

We propose to apply our multiscale numerical modeling to investigate the heterogeneous deformation of Earth's crust and mantle, to develop more rigorous ductile shear zone models, to determine the strength profile and deformation mode of continental crust, and to establish a quantitative method to constrain the tectonic boundary conditions from observations of small scale geological structures. Earth is unique among terrestrial planets in the solar system in that it has plate tectonics causing lithospheric plates to deform in plate boundary and interior regions. Understanding the physics of this deformation is of paramount significance both scientifically, for understanding the evolution of Earth and other planets, and practically for the welfare of human beings who live on the lithosphere, mitigate natural hazards, and derive energy, mineral, and other resources from it. Despite its close relationship to humanity, continental deformation over long terms (millions of years) and across vast space scales (comparable to the size of a continent like the North America) remains poorly understood because of the intrinsically heterogeneous nature of the continental lithosphere. The proposed research is significant not only because of its fundamental scientific implications but also its industrial, and societal applications. Geological structures are signatures of the deformation in Earth's crust and mantle related to the generation of geological hazards like earthquakes, landslides, and slope failures. Geological structures serve as conduits or barriers for fluid and heat fluxes in the crust and mantle that strongly affect the movement of water, gas, oil in the subsurface and the concentration of precious metals and minerals. The findings of the proposed fieldwork will shed light on both the regional tectonics of the study areas as well as on how Earth's continental lithosphere has deformed and evolved in general. The integrated modeling and field approach will lead to more efficient geological mapping, mining, and exploration of mineral and energy resources. The research outcome will thus contribute to Canada's economy in the mining and exploration industry. All this will help to raise Canada's stature as a major international research player. The research program serves as a platform to train and inspire many highly qualified personnel (HQP) in some of the most advanced skills of computing, field mapping, and laboratory instrument operation. Many Western graduate and undergraduate students, visiting scientists, and other research associates will be involved in the research activities. Due to the nature of the proposed research, combining fieldwork, laboratory analysis techniques, and numerical modeling, the HQP will be exposed to a very broad range of research techniques and approaches that will enhance and reach beyond their respective fields of study.