INTEGRATED STUDY OF LID MODES AND PLATE TECTONIC PATTERNS IN PLANETARY EVOLUTION: DIVERSITY, COMMONALITIES, AND EVOLUTIONARY MECHANISMS
This doctoral project investigates the initiation and causes of Earth's unique plate tectonics through numerical simulations of geodynamic convection patterns and geological evidence. We establish a whole-mantle scale convection model and conduct a parameter sensitivity analysis, identifying various lid regimes, including a new episodic-plutonic lid mode. The results infer the potential evolution of planetary lids and the dynamic environment required for plate tectonics. Furthermore, we utilize a high-resolution model with a sticky-air layer for Earth to study the mechanical influence of convection on the lithosphere. Our simulations suggest the existence of two episodes of plate tectonics on Earth, reconciling major geological records and providing insight into the Precambrian geological record scarcity.
Additional information: Mr. LYU Tianyang, tylyu@connect.hku.hk