The Dynamics of Plate Tectonics and Mantle Flow: From Local to Global Scales

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1191223
• Publication Date: 2010-08-26T18:18:41Z
• Authors: Georg Stadler; Michael Gurnis; Carsten Burstedde; Lucas C. Wilcox; Laura Alisic; Omar Ghattas
• Keywords: Slab; Slab window; Hotspot (geology)

Plate tectonics is regulated by driving and resisting forces concentrated at plate boundaries, but observationally constrained high-resolution models of global mantle flow remain a computational challenge. We capitalized on advances in adaptive mesh refinement algorithms parallel computers to simulate incorporating motions, with individual margins resolved down scale 1 kilometer. Back-arc extension slab rollback are emergent consequences descent the upper mantle. Cold thermal anomalies within lower couple into oceanic plates through narrow high-viscosity slabs, altering velocity plates. Viscous dissipation bending lithosphere trenches amounts approximately 5 20% total entire