Presenters-0557

From CSDMS
CSDMS 2022: Environmental Extremes and Earthscape Evolution


3D Computational Modeling of Lithospheric Deformation, Asthenospheric Flow, and Deep Melt Generation with ASPECT



D. Sarah Stamps

Virginia Tech, United States
dstamps@vt.edu
Emmanuel Njinju Virginia Tech United States
Asenath Kwagalakwe Virginia Tech United States
John Naliboff New Mexico Tech United States
Tahiry Rajaonarison University of Antananarivo Madagascar


Abstract
Surface processes are influenced by viscous coupling of the deforming lithosphere to asthenospheric flow, as well as magma that migrates upward from the upper asthenosphere. Over the past few decades, significant advances have been made in finite element numerical methods that enable modeling of lithospheric deformation, viscous coupling to asthenospheric flow, and melt generation in the upper asthenosphere. In this work, we present new developments based on the NSF Computational Infrastructure for Geodynamics finite element code ASPECT (Advanced Solver for Problems in Earth’s Convection) that allow users to easily investigate these processes in distinct tectonic and geographic locations. . Users have the options to constrain their initial temperature and density conditions with laterally varying lithospheric thickness, layers of crustal thickness, and shear wave seismic velocity models in the sublithospheric mantle. We present case studies from regions along the East African Rift System that demonstrate these capabilities.




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Of interest for:
  • Geodynamics Focus Research Group
  • Modeling Platform Interoperability Initiative