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Updated: Jul 11, 2025
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High-pressure, High-temperature Deformation Experiment Using the New Generation Griggs-type Apparatus
Published on: April 3, 2018
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Thermodynamics of continental deformation
Ajay Kumar1, Mauro Cacace2, Magdalena Scheck-Wenderoth2,3
1GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany. kumar@gfz-potsdam.de.
Scientific Reports
|November 14, 2023
Summary
Continental deformation is driven by tectonic forces and lithospheric strength. Data-driven modeling shows how deviations from equilibrium in the Alpine Himalayan Collision Zone control deformation, leading to either stable states or runaway extension.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Tectonics
- Thermodynamics
Background:
- Continental deformation results from tectonic and gravitational forces.
- Lithospheric strength, influenced by thermal relaxation, dictates deformation patterns.
- Equilibrium or runaway extension occurs based on these forces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate how deviations from equilibrium control continental deformation.
- To analyze the Alpine Himalayan Collision Zone using data-driven thermomechanical modeling.
- To quantify the balance between internal plate energy and tectonic forces.
Main Methods:
- Data-driven thermomechanical modeling.
- Analysis of the Alpine Himalayan Collision Zone.
- Quantification of critical crustal thickness.
Main Results:
- Deviations from equilibrium between mantle dynamics, plate-boundary forces, and lithosphere influence deformation.
- Thicker crustal domains (orogens) weaken and dissipate energy over wider areas.
- A dissipative thermodynamic feedback loop controls energy dissipation in orogenic lithosphere.
- Radioactive heat sources dampen runaway extension, driving orogens to equilibrium.
Conclusions:
- A critical crustal thickness balances internal energy and tectonic forces.
- Orogenic weakening and energy dissipation are linked to thickened, radiogenic crust.
- Suggests a link between crustal thermochemical state and tectonic evolution on Earth-like planets.
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