CAPTION - Cylindrical Models

Dynamic models of Tectonic Plates and Convection.

This is an animation of thermal convection with a strong temperature and stress dependent rheology in which perfect tectonic plates develop. The models were the first to incorporate faults into models of convection and the faults changed their geometry and position as the dynamics of the system evolved. See the papers below for a full explanation of these models and their geophysical implications. You can also read about our models on line by going to our paper which appeared in Volume 1 of Earth Interactions. Animations of all of our models can be found in that paper as well as on the following page.

To view our animation again, press here.

Reference

Zhong, S., and Gurnis, M., Mantle convection with plates and mobile, faulted plate margins, Science 267, 838-843,1995

Zhong, S., and Gurnis, M., Towards a realistic simulation of plate margins in models of mantle convection, Geophysical Research Letters 22, 981-984, 1995.

Zhong, S., and Gurnis, M., Dynamic interaction between tectonics plates, subducting slabs, and the mantle, Earth Interactions 1, 1997.

Additional references of related material can be found here.

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