Feedbacks between internal fluvial drainage and high-plateau tectonic growth. A mechanistic perspective.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Garcia-Castellanos ◽  
Weiming Liu ◽  
Zhongping Lai ◽  
Ivone Jiménez-Munt ◽  
Lucía Struth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Modeling ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Plate Boundary ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
Sedimentary Basins ◽  
Tectonic Deformation ◽  
The Tibetan Plateau ◽  
Internal Drainage ◽  
High Plateau ◽  
River Incision

<p>High-plateaus are relatively flat areas at high elevations. The stream-power river-incision law predicts that surface water incises the landscape proportionally to local river slope, and therefore the margins of high-plateaus are prone to a river erosion that should terminate the low relief of the highlands that characterizes the plateau. This means that long-lived high-plateaus need an additional mechanism to compete with river incision.</p><p>In absence of tectonic deformation, river networks propagate into the plateau via a retrogressive wave of river incision. A well-constrained non-tectonic scenario is provided by the Neogene Duero and Ebro sedimentary basins in N Iberia, where ongoing incision rates presently range from .02 (Duero) to .5 m/kyr (Ebro) and have propagated upstream at similar rates of up to 0.2 km/kyr, based on cosmogenic dating studies combined with numerical modeling. These rates started with the transition from internal (endorheic) to external (exorheic) drainage of both basins sometime between 8 and 12 million years ago. Interestingly, while the pre-exorheic Ebro Basin sedimentary plateau has been mostly obliterated by erosion, the Duero Basin still preserves large areas of low relief, in spite of the very similar geological setting. The causes will be discussed using landscape evolution numerical modeling.</p><p>In contrast, tectonically active regions can counteract river incision and preserve high plateaus by longer time periods. Recent studies based on sedimentary stratigraphy of endorheic basins suggest that large areas of the Tibetan high plateau remain internally drained since ca 35 Ma. In the Altiplano/Puna plateau region internal drainage dates to ~15 Ma and the majority of the topographic uplift has taken place after 10 Ma. Computer models have shown that tectonic deformation is sensitive to internal drainage, because endorheism implies a nearly perfect sediment trap that effectively reduces the output of orogenic erosion to zero. The cancellation of orogen-scale erosion can severely modify tectonic deformation patterns, increase topography and propagate deformation further into the undeformed forelands of the orogenic system. Symmetrically, internal drainage is also promoted by the orographic rain shadow due to the growth of topography in the early stages of tectonism.</p><p>Numerical models coupling the aforementioned mechanisms have shown that, as sediment transport and accumulation within the endorheic region progresses, the propagation of deformation to areas more distal to the tectonic plate boundary can lead to a lower‐relief landscape. A recent reassessment of the ages of the Tibetan plateau sedimentary record in the Lunpola Basin seems consistent with an early onset of low relief and internal drainage. Finally, as topography and crustal thickness increase, lower crust flow is facilitated by the lower viscosity implied by higher pressure, favoring a further reduction of local relief within the highlands.</p>

scholarly journals Two-Dimensional Numerical Modeling of Flow in Physical Models of Rock Vane and Bendway Weir Configurations

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 458
Author(s):  
Drew C. Baird ◽  
Benjamin Abban ◽  
S. Michael Scurlock ◽  
Steven B. Abt ◽  
Christopher I. Thornton
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Modeling ◽  
Physical Model ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Hydraulic Performance ◽  
Physical Models ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Design Engineers ◽  
Model Study ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Wide Range

While there are a wide range of design recommendations for using rock vanes and bendway weirs as streambank protection measures, no comprehensive, standard approach is currently available for design engineers to evaluate their hydraulic performance before construction. This study investigates using 2D numerical modeling as an option for predicting the hydraulic performance of rock vane and bendway weir structure designs for streambank protection. We used the Sedimentation and River Hydraulics (SRH)-2D depth-averaged numerical model to simulate flows around rock vane and bendway weir installations that were previously examined as part of a physical model study and that had water surface elevation and velocity observations. Overall, SRH-2D predicted the same general flow patterns as the physical model, but over- and underpredicted the flow velocity in some areas. These over- and underpredictions could be primarily attributed to the assumption of negligible vertical velocities. Nonetheless, the point differences between the predicted and observed velocities generally ranged from 15 to 25%, with some exceptions. The results showed that 2D numerical models could provide adequate insight into the hydraulic performance of rock vanes and bendway weirs. Accordingly, design guidance and implications of the study results are presented for design engineers.

scholarly journals New seismological data from the Calabrian arc reveal arc-orthogonal extension across the subduction zone

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiziana Sgroi ◽  
Alina Polonia ◽  
Graziella Barberi ◽  
Andrea Billi ◽  
Luca Gasperini
Keyword(s):  
Lateral Displacement ◽  
Tectonic Setting ◽  
Plate Boundary ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Tectonic Deformation ◽  
Accretionary Wedge ◽  
Tectonic Structures ◽  
Plate Convergence ◽  
Seismogenic Layer ◽  
Regional Tectonic

AbstractThe Calabrian Arc subduction-rollback system along the convergent Africa/Eurasia plate boundary is among the most active geological structures in the Mediterranean Sea. However, its seismogenic behaviour is largely unknown, mostly due to the lack of seismological observations. We studied low-to-moderate magnitude earthquakes recorded by the seismic network onshore, integrated by data from a seafloor observatory (NEMO-SN1), to compute a lithospheric velocity model for the western Ionian Sea, and relocate seismic events along major tectonic structures. Spatial changes in the depth distribution of earthquakes highlight a major lithospheric boundary constituted by the Ionian Fault, which separates two sectors where thickness of the seismogenic layer varies over 40 km. This regional tectonic boundary represents the eastern limit of a domain characterized by thinner lithosphere, arc-orthogonal extension, and transtensional tectonic deformation. Occurrence of a few thrust-type earthquakes in the accretionary wedge may suggest a locked subduction interface in a complex tectonic setting, which involves the interplay between arc-orthogonal extension and plate convergence. We finally note that distribution of earthquakes and associated extensional deformation in the Messina Straits region could be explained by right-lateral displacement along the Ionian Fault. This observation could shed new light on proposed mechanisms for the 1908 Messina earthquake.

scholarly journals Basement Structure and Styles of Active Tectonic Deformation in Central Interior Alaska

Geosciences ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 127
Author(s):  
Nilesh C. Dixit ◽  
Catherine Hanks
Keyword(s):  
Crustal Structure ◽  
Foreland Basin ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Tectonic Deformation ◽  
Block Rotation ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Intraplate Earthquakes ◽  
Interior Alaska ◽  
Nenana Basin

Central Interior Alaska is one of the most seismically active regions in North America, exhibiting a high concentration of intraplate earthquakes approximately 700 km away from the southern Alaska subduction zone. Seismological evidence suggests that intraplate seismicity in the region is not uniformly distributed, but concentrated in several discrete seismic zones, including the Nenana basin and the adjacent Tanana basin. Although the location and magnitude of the seismic activity in both basins are well defined by a network of seismic stations in the region, the tectonic controls on these intraplate earthquakes and the heterogeneous nature of Alaska’s continental interior remain poorly understood. We investigated the crustal structure of the Nenana and Tanana basins using available seismic reflection, aeromagnetic and gravity anomaly data, supplemented by geophysical well logs and outcrop data. We developed nine new two-dimensional forward models to delineate internal geometries and the crustal structure of Alaska’s interior. The results of our study demonstrates a strong crustal heterogeneity beneath both basins. The Tanana basin is a relatively shallow (up to 2 km) asymmetrical foreland basin with its southern, deeper side controlled by the northern foothills of the Central Alaska Range. Northeast-trending left lateral strike-slip faults within the Tanana basin are interpreted as a zone of clockwise crustal block rotation. The Nenana basin has a fundamentally different geometry. It is a deep (up to 8 km), narrow transtensional pull-apart basin that is deforming along the left-lateral Minto Fault. This study identifies two distinct modes of current tectonic deformation in Central Interior Alaska and provides a basis for modeling the interplay between intraplate stress fields and major structural features that potentially influence the generation of intraplate earthquakes in the region.

scholarly journals Numerical modeling of the hydraulic impact of riparian vegetation

2018 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
pp. 00194
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Wolski ◽  
Tomasz Tymiński ◽  
Grzegorz Chrobak
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Modeling ◽  
Riparian Vegetation ◽  
Water Surface ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Careful Examination ◽  
Impact Structure ◽  
Hydraulic Impact ◽  
Vegetation Zones ◽  
Maximal Shear Stress

This paper presents results of numerical modelling of riverbed segment with riparian vegetation performed with use of CCHE2 software. Vegetation zones are places where dynamic of water flow increases. Therefore, there is a need of careful examination of hydraulic impact structure of such zones. Accurate research is necessary and should be performed with use of physical or numerical models, two or three dimensional. Paper presents distribution of velocity and area of water surface for two variants of vegetation deposition acquired in CCHE2D software and modelled for riverbed with distinctive riparian vegetation. Results point to significant (30–40%) increase of maximal velocities in riverbed with riparian vegetation, while directly near the vegetation there were zones with very low velocities. Local damming occurs before vegetal zone. Maximal shear stress in zones with increased velocity is significantly augmented compared to conditions with no vegetation, which can cause more intensive erosion in those zones

scholarly journals The Role of Lower Crustal Rheology in Lithospheric Delamination During Orogeny

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Chen
Keyword(s):  
Lower Crust ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
The Tibetan Plateau ◽  
Mantle Lithosphere ◽  
Laboratory Studies ◽  
Surface Uplift ◽  
Continental Lower Crust ◽  
Lower Crustal ◽  
Flow Laws

The continental lower crust is an important composition- and strength-jump layer in the lithosphere. Laboratory studies show its strength varies greatly due to a wide variety of composition. How the lower crust rheology influences the collisional orogeny remains poorly understood. Here I investigate the role of the lower crust rheology in the evolution of an orogen subject to horizontal shortening using 2D numerical models. A range of lower crustal flow laws from laboratory studies are tested to examine their effects on the styles of the accommodation of convergence. Three distinct styles are observed: 1) downwelling and subsequent delamination of orogen lithosphere mantle as a coherent slab; 2) localized thickening of orogen lithosphere; and 3) underthrusting of peripheral strong lithospheres below the orogen. Delamination occurs only if the orogen lower crust rheology is represented by the weak end-member of flow laws. The delamination is followed by partial melting of the lower crust and punctuated surface uplift confined to the orogen central region. For a moderately or extremely strong orogen lower crust, topography highs only develop on both sides of the orogen. In the Tibetan plateau, the crust has been doubly thickened but the underlying mantle lithosphere is highly heterogeneous. I suggest that the subvertical high-velocity mantle structures, as observed in southern and western Tibet, may exemplify localized delamination of the mantle lithosphere due to rheological weakening of the Tibetan lower crust.

scholarly journals Numerical Modeling of a Punch Penetration Test Using the Discrete Element Method

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Rouhollah Basirat ◽  
Jafar Khademi Hamidi
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Modeling ◽  
Discrete Element Method ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Confining Pressure ◽  
Discrete Element ◽  
Numerical Results ◽  
Strength Parameter ◽  
Penetration Test ◽  
Strength Parameters ◽  
Element Method

AbstractUnderstanding the brittleness of rock has a crucial importance in rock engineering applications such as the mechanical excavation of rock. In this study, numerical modeling of a punch penetration test is performed using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). The Peak Strength Index (PSI) as a function of the brittleness index was calculated using the axial load and a penetration graph obtained from numerical models. In the first step, the numerical model was verified by experimental results. The results obtained from the numerical modeling showed a good agreement with those obtained from the experimental tests. The propagation path was also simulated using Voronoi meshing. The fracture was created under the indenter in the first step, and then radial fractures were propagated. The effects of confining pressure and strength parameters on the PSI were subsequently investigated. The numerical results showed that the PSI increases with enhancing the confining pressure and the strength parameter of the rock, including cohesion and the friction angle. A new relationship between the strength parameters and PSI was also introduced based on two variable regressions of the numerical results.

scholarly journals Numerical modeling of hiding properties of underwater acoUStic communication signals with linear sweep of the carrier

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
К.Г. Кебкал
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Modeling ◽  
Continuous Spectrum ◽  
Gaussian Noise ◽  
Data Exchange ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Underwater Acoustic Communication ◽  
Underwater Acoustic ◽  
Communication Signals ◽  
Communication Signal ◽  
Spectrum Spread

На результатах численного моделирования продемонстрировано, что распределения вероятностей огибающей и фазы смеси гауссова шума и (слабого) гидроакустического сигнала связи, характеризуемого линейной разверткой несущей, могут иметь исчезающе малые отличия от аналогичных распределений, характерных для просто гауссова шума. Использование непрерывного расширения спектра сигнала связи может представлять интерес для задач скрытого обмена данными, в которых обнаружение сеанса связи устройствами перехвата должно быть затруднительным или невозможным. С применением численных моделей проанализированы возможности использования сигналов с непрерывным расширением спектра для скрытой цифровой гидроакустической связи посредством штатных приемоизлучающих гидроакустических систем, находящихся на вооружении действующих кораблей. Based on the results of the numerical modeling, the vanishingly small differences between the probability distributions of the envelope and phase of the sum of Gaussian noise and (weak) underwater acoustic signal with linear carrier sweep, and the same distributions for the Gaussian noise all alone are demonstrated. Utilization of the continuous spectrum spread of the communication signal may be applied to the task of covert data exchange, where detection of the communication session by the intercepting equipment must be complicated or impossible. Using numerical models, we analyzed the capabilities of implementation of the signals with continuous spectrum spread for covert digital underwater acoustic communications through the standard underwater acoustic transducers, which are in service on the operational ready vessels.

scholarly journals The Gujarat, West India, earthquake (Jan 26th 2001). A geodynamic event in an intraplate compressional regime?

2001 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 1405
Author(s):  
Γ. Δ. ΔΑΝΑΜΟΣ ◽  
Ε. Λ. ΛΕΚΚΑΣ ◽  
Σ. Γ. ΛΟΖΙΟΣ
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Lateral Displacement ◽  
Indian Subcontinent ◽  
Plate Boundary ◽  
Horizontal Displacement ◽  
Vertical Displacement ◽  
Lateral Spreading ◽  
Tectonic Deformation ◽  
Epicentral Area ◽  
Surface Ruptures

The Jan. 26, 2001, Ms=7.7 earthquake occurred in Gujarat region of W. India, which lies 200-400 Km away from the active plate boundary zone, between the Indian subcontinent and the Asian plate, along the India-Pakistan border and the Himalayan belt. An Ms=7.7±0.2 earthquake also occurred in the same region in 1819. A zone of co-seismic E-W surface ruptures, 30-40 Km long and 15-20 Km wide, observed near the epicentral area and seems to be associated with pre-existing reverse faults and thrust folds, which were partially reactivated during the recent earthquake. Except the reverse vertical displacement a significant right lateral displacement was also observed along these E-W surface ruptures. This Ms=7.7 seismic event has been also accompanied by a large scale flexural-slip folding, as the absence of significant co-seismic fault displacement and fault scarp shows. This type of compressional tectonic deformation is also confirmed by the focal mechanism of the earthquake and the seismo-tectonic "history" of the area. The NW-SE open cracks, also observed along the same zone, are associated with the right lateral horizontal displacement of the reactivated fault (or branch faults) and the development of local extensional stress field in the huge anticlinic hinges of the co-seismic flexural-slip folds. A large number of ground ruptures, failures and open cracks are also associated with extensive sand boils, liquefaction phenomena and lateral spreading.

Isolated Triggered Tremor Spots in South America and Implications for Global Tremor Activity

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Chao ◽  
Zhigang Peng ◽  
William B. Frank ◽  
Germán A. Prieto ◽  
Kazushige Obara
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Seismic Station ◽  
Plate Boundary ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
Fault System ◽  
Southern Chile ◽  
Tectonic Tremor ◽  
Single Station ◽  
Chile Triple Junction ◽  
Triggered Tremor

ABSTRACT We report new observations of triggered tectonic tremor in three regions in South America along the plate boundary between the Nazca and South America plates: southern Chile, Ecuador, and central Colombia. In these regions, tremor was observed during the passage of large‐amplitude surface waves of recent large earthquakes, which occurred in South America and around the world. In southern Chile, triggered tremor was observed around an ambient tremor active zone in the Chile triple junction region. In Ecuador and central Colombia, only one seismic station in each region recorded triggered tremor. With a single‐station approach, we are able to estimate potential tremor sources in these regions. Triggered tremor in Ecuador is likely associated with an inland fault near the volcanic region. In central Colombia, triggered tremor may be associated with the Romeral fault system rather than the subduction zone interface. In addition, we summarize global observations of tremor‐triggering stress and background ambient tremor activity in 24 tremor‐active regions. Based on the global summary of triggered and ambient tremor activity, the relative lack of triggered tremor in central and northern Chile and Peru is consistent with the lack of background tremor activity in these regions, suggesting tectonic tremor occurs only in isolated regions along major faults.

Experimental Validation of Computer Models for Food and Polymer Extrusion

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yogesh Jaluria
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Modeling ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Chemical Conversion ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Twin Screw Extruders ◽  
Twin Screw ◽  
Temperature Dependent Properties ◽  
Good Agreement

The accuracy and validity of the mathematical and numerical modeling of extruders for polymers and for food are considered in terms of experimental results obtained on typical full-size single and twin-screw extruders. The fluid is treated as non-Newtonian and with strong temperature-dependent properties. The chemical conversion of food during extrusion is also considered. The numerical modeling is employed for steady-state transport, for a range of operating conditions. Following grid-independence studies, the results obtained are first considered in terms of the expected physical behavior of the process, yielding good agreement with observations presented in the literature. The results are then compared with detailed and qualitative experimental results available from previous investigations to evaluate their accuracy. Good agreement with experimental data is obtained, lending strong support to the mathematical and numerical models.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document