MODELLING STRUCTURAL PATTERN IN TECTONIC FLOW AND ITS APPLICATIONS TO NEOARCHEAN CRUSTAL DYNAMICS
Seminars
We formulate a modeling framework in both 2d and 3d to simulate the structural pattern resultant from long-term tectonic flow with an emphasis on recovering lithological distribution, shearing kinematics, the foliation/lineation pattern and the strain distribution. In this way a direct comparison can be made between thermomechanical models of crustal dynamics and field mapping. Our modeling results, when compared to the field structural patterns in multiple granitoid-greenstone terranes in the Superior Craton, show that the Neoarchean may represent a transition period in the Earth’s history when the crustal dynamics gradually evolve from dominantly vertically directed gravitational overturn due to density difference to the modern-day-like horizontal interaction between rigid blocks.
Additional information: Dr. Qihang WU, wu.qihang@hku.hk