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

我们建议将我们的多尺度数值模拟应用于研究地壳和地幔的非均匀变形，建立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，并建立一种从小尺度地质构造观测中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，因为它有板块构造，导致岩石圈板块在板块边界和内部区域变形。了解这种变形的物理学原理，在科学上、对了解地球和其他行星的演化、在实践上对生活在岩石圈上的人类的福利、减轻自然灾害、从岩石圈中获取能源、矿物和其他资源，都具有极其重要的意义。尽管它与人类有着密切的关系，但由于大陆岩石圈本质上的不均匀性，人们对长期（数百万年）和跨越广阔空间尺度（相当于北美大陆的大小）的大陆变形仍然知之甚少。这项提议的研究意义重大，不仅因为它具有基本的科学意义，而且还因为它具有工业和社会应用价值。地质构造是地壳和地幔变形的标志，与地震、滑坡和边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通量的管道或屏障，强烈影响地下水、气、油的运动以及贵金属和矿物的浓度。拟议的野外工作的发现将阐明研究区域的区域构造以及地球大陆岩石圈如何变形和演变。综合建模和现场方法将导致更有效的地质填图，采矿和勘探矿产和能源资源。因此，研究成果将有助于加拿大经济在采矿和勘探行业。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。该研究项目作为培训和激励许多高素质人员（HQP）掌握一些最先进的计算、现场测绘和实验室仪器操作技能的平台。许多西方的研究生和本科生、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，结合了实地考察、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并超越各自的研究领域。

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.