3-D Laboratory and Numerical Models of Mantle Flow in Subduction Zones
Abstract
Analogue and numerical studies are powerful tools to gain insight on the subduction process. Here we investigate some results from both approaches in order to characterize the induced flow triggered in the mantle by slab motion. The fluid velocity field in our 3-D laboratory experiments is reconstructed and analyzed through the PTV (Particle Tracking Velocimetry) image analysis technique, which provides a set of velocity vectors centred with particle centroid positions. Numerical investigation is approached by means of the finite element code Citcom (e.g. Moresi & Solomatov, 1995, Zhong et al., 1998; obtained from geoframework.org), solving the equations for conservation of mass, momentum and energy for an incompressible viscous spherical shell.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004AGUFM.T21B0527F
- Keywords:
-
- 8120 Dynamics of lithosphere and mantle: general;
- 8121 Dynamics;
- convection currents and mantle plumes