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Plate motions and stresses from global dynamic models
Attreyee Ghosh1, William E Holt
1Geosciences Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA. atreig@gmail.com
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 21, 2012
Summary
This study presents a global dynamic model that accurately predicts plate motions and stresses by incorporating Earth's shallow structure and mantle flow. The findings reveal how these factors drive or resist tectonic plate movement globally.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Tectonics
- Computational Modeling
Background:
- Understanding tectonic plate motion drivers is crucial for Earth science.
- Predicting plate motion, deformation, and stress is a challenge in numerical modeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a global dynamic model for predicting plate motions and related parameters.
- To investigate the influence of shallow Earth structure and mantle flow on plate tectonics.
Main Methods:
- Developed a global dynamic model incorporating lateral viscosity variations (top 200 km).
- Included forces from topography, lithosphere structure, and mantle flow coupling.
- Validated model against global observations of plate motions and stress.
Main Results:
- The model accurately fits parameters like plate motions, boundary deformation, rigidity, and stresses.
- Demonstrated that the relative importance of shallow structure vs. mantle flow varies geographically.
- Identified regions where mantle flow drives or resists plate motion.
- Showed subducted slabs do not require strong stress guiding to match observations.
Conclusions:
- Lateral viscosity variations and mantle flow coupling are key to modeling plate tectonics accurately.
- The interplay between shallow Earth structure and deep mantle dynamics governs plate behavior.
- Global plate motion and stress can be explained without relying on strong stress-guiding effects from subducted slabs.
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