scholarly journals Three-dimensional thermal structure of subduction zones: effects of obliquity and curvature

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 919-941 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. K. Bengtson ◽  
P. E. van Keken

Abstract. Quantifying the precise thermal structure of subduction zones is essential for understanding the nature of metamorphic dehydration reactions, arc volcanism, and intermediate depth seismicity. High resolution two-dimensional (2-D) models have shown that the rheology of the mantle wedge plays a critical role and establishes strong temperature gradients in the slab. The influence of three-dimensional (3-D) subduction zone geometry on thermal structure is however not yet well characterized. A common assumption for 2-D models is that the cross-section is taken normal to the strike of the trench with a corresponding velocity reduction in the case of oblique subduction, rather than taken parallel to velocity. A comparison between a full 3-D Cartesian model with oblique subduction and selected 2-D cross-sections demonstrates that the trench-normal cross-section provides a better reproduction of the slab thermal structure than the velocity-parallel cross-section. An exception is found in the case of strongly curved subduction, such as in the Marianas, where strong 3-D flow in the mantle wedge is generated. In this case it is shown that the full 3-D model should be evaluated for an accurate prediction of the slab thermal structure.

Solid Earth ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 365-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. K. Bengtson ◽  
P. E. van Keken

Abstract. Quantifying the precise thermal structure of subduction zones is essential for understanding the nature of metamorphic dehydration reactions, arc volcanism, and intermediate depth seismicity. High resolution two-dimensional (2-D) models have shown that the rheology of the mantle wedge plays a critical role and establishes strong temperature gradients in the slab. The influence of three-dimensional (3-D) subduction zone geometry on thermal structure is however not yet well characterized. A common assumption for 2-D models is that the cross-section is taken normal to the strike of the trench with a corresponding velocity reduction in the case of oblique subduction, rather than taken parallel to velocity. A comparison between a full 3-D Cartesian model with oblique subduction and selected 2-D cross-sections demonstrates that the trench-normal cross-section provides a better reproduction of the slab thermal structure than the velocity-parallel cross-section. An exception is found in the case of a strongly curved trench, such as in the Marianas, where strong 3-D flow in the mantle wedge is generated. In this case it is shown that the full 3-D model should be evaluated for an accurate prediction of the slab thermal structure. The models demonstrate that the use of a dynamic slab and wedge, separated by a kinematic boundary, yields good results for describing slab velocities in 3-D.


Geosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 936-952 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon M. Peacock

Abstract In the two decades since Subduction: Top to Bottom was published in 1996, improved analytical and numerical thermal-petrologic models of subduction zones have been constructed and evaluated against new seismological and geological observations. Advances in thermal modeling include a range of new approaches to incorporating shear (frictional, viscous) heating along the subduction interface and to simulating induced flow in the mantle wedge. Forearc heat-flux measurements constrain the apparent coefficient of friction (μ′) along the plate interface to <∼0.1, but the extent to which μ′ may vary between subduction zones remains challenging to discern owing to scatter in the heat-flux measurements and uncertainties in the magnitude and distribution of radiogenic heat production in the overriding crust. Flow in the mantle wedge and the resulting thermal structure depend on the rheology of variably hydrated mantle rocks and the depth at which the subducting slab becomes coupled to the overlying mantle wedge. Advances in petrologic modeling include the incorporation of sophisticated thermodynamic software packages into thermal models and the prediction of seismic velocities from mineralogic and petrologic models. Current thermal-petrologic models show very good agreement between the predicted location of metamorphic dehydration reactions and observed intermediate-depth earthquakes, and between the predicted location of the basalt-to-eclogite transition in subducting oceanic crust and observed landward-dipping, low-seismic-velocity layers. Exhumed high-pressure, low-temperature metamorphic rocks provide insight into subduction-zone temperatures, but important thermal parameters (e.g., convergence rate) are not well constrained, and metamorphic rocks exposed at the surface today may reflect relatively warm conditions in the past associated with subduction initiation or ridge subduction. We can anticipate additional advances in our understanding of subduction zones as a result of further testing of model predictions against geologic and geophysical observations, and of evaluating the importance of advective processes, such as diapirism and subduction-channel flow, that are not captured in hybrid kinematic-dynamic models of subduction zones but are observed in fully dynamical models under certain conditions.


2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 354-375
Author(s):  
Xiaolong Li ◽  
Jiansi Yang ◽  
Bingxuan Guo ◽  
Hua Liu ◽  
Jun Hua

Currently, for tunnels, the design centerline and design cross-section with time stamps are used for dynamic three-dimensional (3D) modeling. However, this approach cannot correctly reflect some qualities of tunneling or some special cases, such as landslips. Therefore, a dynamic 3D model of a tunnel based on spatiotemporal data from survey cross-sections is proposed in this paper. This model can not only playback the excavation process but also reflect qualities of a project typically missed. In this paper, a new conceptual model for dynamic 3D modeling of tunneling survey data is introduced. Some specific solutions are proposed using key corresponding technologies for coordinate transformation of cross-sections from linear engineering coordinates to global projection coordinates, data structure of files and database, and dynamic 3D modeling. A 3D tunnel TIN model was proposed using the optimized minimum direction angle algorithm. The last section implements the construction of a survey data collection, acquisition, and dynamic simulation system, which verifies the feasibility and practicality of this modeling method.


Author(s):  
Laura Galuppi ◽  
Gianni Royer-Carfagni

Prandtl's membrane analogy for the torsion problem of prismatic homogeneous bars is extended to multi-material cross sections. The linear elastic problem is governed by the same equations describing the deformation of an inflated membrane, differently tensioned in regions that correspond to the domains hosting different materials in the bar cross section, in a way proportional to the inverse of the material shear modulus. Multi-connected cross sections correspond to materials with vanishing stiffness inside the holes, implying infinite tension in the corresponding portions of the membrane. To define the interface constrains that allow to apply such a state of prestress to the membrane, a physical apparatus is proposed, which can be numerically modelled with a two-dimensional mesh implementable in commercial finite-element model codes. This approach presents noteworthy advantages with respect to the three-dimensional modelling of the twisted bar.


2020 ◽  
Vol 307 ◽  
pp. 01047
Author(s):  
Gohar Shoukat ◽  
Farhan Ellahi ◽  
Muhammad Sajid ◽  
Emad Uddin

The large energy consumption of membrane desalination process has encouraged researchers to explore different spacer designs using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for maximizing permeate per unit of energy consumed. In previous studies of zigzag spacer designs, the filaments are modeled as circular cross sections in a two-dimensional geometry under the assumption that the flow is oriented normal to the filaments. In this work, we consider the 45° orientation of the flow towards the three-dimensional zigzag spacer unit, which projects the circular cross section of the filament as elliptical in a simplified two-dimensional domain. OpenFOAM was used to simulate the mass transfer enhancement in a reverse-osmosis desalination unit employing spiral wound membranes lined with zigzag spacer filaments. Properties that impact the concentration polarization and hence permeate flux were analyzed in the domain with elliptical filaments as well as a domain with circular filaments to draw suitable comparisons. The range of variation in characteristic parameters across the domain between the two different configurations is determined. It was concluded that ignoring the elliptical projection of circular filaments to the flow direction, can introduce significant margin of error in the estimation of mass transfer coefficient.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cailey Condit ◽  
Victor Guevara ◽  
Melodie French ◽  
Adam Holt ◽  
Jonathan Delph

<p>Feedbacks amongst petrologic and mechanical processes along the subduction plate boundary play a central role influencing slip behaviors and deformation styles. Metamorphic reactions, resultant fluid production, deformation mechanisms, and strength are strongly temperature dependent, making the thermal structure of these zones a key control on slip behaviors.</p><p> </p><p>Firstly, we investigate the role of metamorphic devolatilization reactions in the production of Episodic Tremor and Slip (ETS) in warm subduction zones. Geophysical and geologic observations of ETS hosting subduction zones suggest the plate interface is fluid-rich and critically stressed, which together, suggests that this area is a zone of near lithostatic pore fluid pressure.  Fluids and high pore fluid pressures have been invoked in many models for ETS. However, whether these fluids are sourced from local dehydration reactions in particular lithologies, or via up-dip transport from greater depths remains an open question. We present thermodynamic models of the petrologic evolution of four lithologies typical of the plate interface along predicted pressure–temperature (P-T) paths for the plate boundary along Cascadia, Nankai, and Mexico which all exhibit ETS at depths between 25-65 km. Our models suggest that 1-2 wt% H<sub>2</sub>O is released at the depths of ETS along these subduction segments due to punctuated dehydration reactions within MORB, primarily through chlorite and/or lawsonite breakdown. These reactions produce sufficient in-situ fluid across this narrow P-T range to cause high pore fluid pressures. Punctuated dehydration of oceanic crust provides the dominant source of fluids at the base of the seismogenic zone in these warm subduction margins, and up-dip migration of fluids from deeper in the subduction zone is not required to produce ETS-facilitating high pore fluid pressures. These dehydration reactions not only produce metamorphic fluids at these depths, but also result in an increased strength of viscous deformation through the breakdown of weak hydrous phases (e.g., chlorite, glaucophane) and the growth of stronger minerals (e.g., garnet, omphacite, Ca-amphibole). Lastly, we present preliminary data on viscosity along warm subduction paths showing the locations of these dehydration pulses correlate with viscosity increases in mafic lithologies along the shallow forarc.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rilla C. McKeegan ◽  
Victor E. Guevara ◽  
Adam F. Holt ◽  
Cailey B. Condit

<p>The dominant mechanisms that control the exhumation of subducted rocks and how these mechanisms evolve through time in a subduction zone remain unclear. Dynamic models of subduction zones suggest that their thermal structures evolve from subduction initiation to maturity. The series of metamorphic reactions that occur within the slab, resultant density, and buoyancy with respect to the mantle wedge will co-evolve with the thermal structure. We combine dynamic models of subduction zone thermal structure with phase equilibria modeling to place constraints on the dominant controls on the depth limits of exhumation. This is done across the temporal evolution of a subduction zone for various endmember lithologic associations observed in exhumed high-pressure terranes: sedimentary and serpentinite mélanges, and oceanic tectonic slices.</p><p>Initial modeling suggests that both serpentinite and sedimentary mélanges remain positively buoyant with respect to the mantle wedge throughout all stages of subduction (up to 65 Myr), and for the spectrum of naturally constrained ratios of mafic blocks to serpentinite/sedimentary matrix. In these settings, exhumation depth limits and the “point of no return” (c. 2.3 GPa) are not directly limited by buoyancy, but potentially rheological changes in the slab at the blueschist-eclogite transition stemming from: the switch from amphibole-dominated to pyroxene-dominated rheology and/or dehydration embrittlement. These mechanisms may increase the possibility of brittle failure and hence promote detachment of the slab top into the subduction channel. For the range of temperatures recorded by exhumed serpentinite mélanges, the locus of dehydration for altered MORB at the slab top coincides with the point of no return (2.3 GPa) between 35 and 40 Myr, suggesting a strong temporal dependence on deep exhumation in the subduction channel. </p><p>Tectonic slices composed of 50% mafic rocks and 50% serpentinized slab mantle show a temporal dependence on the depth limits of positive buoyancy. For the range of temperatures recorded by exhumed tectonic slices, the upper pressure limit of positive buoyancy is ~2 GPa, and is only crossed between ~30 and 40 Myr after subduction initiation. Some exhumed tectonic slices record much higher pressures (2.5 GPa); thus, other mechanisms or lithologic combinations may also play a significant role in determining the exhumation limits of tectonic slices. </p><p>Future work includes constraining how the loci of dehydration vary through time for different degrees of oceanic crust alteration, how exhumation limits and mechanisms may change with different subducting plate ages, and calculating how initial exhumation velocities may vary through time. Further comparison with the rock record will constrain the parameters that control the timing and limits of exhumation in subduction zones.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Anderson ◽  
Warrick de Kock

<p>Some places are hard to get to and Wupperthal, a small town nestled deep within in the Cederberg Mountains, in South Africa is one of those places. Founded by German missionaries in 1830 the town is home to 1400 inhabitants and a growing tourist destination. An adjacent river, however, is a barrier during the wet seasons for farm children trying to reach the town’s school. A permanent footbridge was therefore recently commissioned to replace temporary structures that have proved dangerous. This paper tells the story of the single span through girder footbridge. Designed to sit as a comfortable object in its natural surroundings the new footbridge is both functional and attractive. The tapering steel plated cross section presents a profiled elevation that splits to create an arched opening at the midspan of the bridge. To create this elegant form the design had to prevent the buckling of the unbraced top chord of the girder. This was achieved through an iterative study of various cross sections and the transitioning of the plate girder into a box section over the opening. Developing a three-dimensional CAD model of the bridge helped engineers conceive the slender form. The model was then exported to create the finite element plated model and then developed into full workshop drawings. The bridge is considered simple but striking in its appearance and this paper aims to highlight that standard solutions can be transformed where appropriate within limited means.</p>


2010 ◽  
Vol 181 (4) ◽  
pp. 377-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damien Bonté ◽  
Laurent Guillou-Frottier ◽  
Cynthia Garibaldi ◽  
Bernard Bourgine ◽  
Simon Lopez ◽  
...  

Abstract Assessment of the underground geothermal potential requires the knowledge of deep temperatures (1–5 km). Here, we present new temperature maps obtained from oil boreholes in the French sedimentary basins. Because of their origin, the data need to be corrected, and their local character necessitates spatial interpolation. Previous maps were obtained in the 1970s using empirical corrections and manual interpolation. In this study, we update the number of measurements by using values collected during the last thirty years, correct the temperatures for transient perturbations and carry out statistical analyses before modelling the 3D distribution of temperatures. This dataset provides 977 temperatures corrected for transient perturbations in 593 boreholes located in the French sedimentary basins. An average temperature gradient of 30.6°C/km is obtained for a representative surface temperature of 10°C. When surface temperature is not accounted for, deep measurements are best fitted with a temperature gradient of 25.7°C/km. We perform a geostatistical analysis on a residual temperature dataset (using a drift of 25.7°C/km) to constrain the 3D interpolation kriging procedure with horizontal and vertical models of variograms. The interpolated residual temperatures are added to the country-scale averaged drift in order to get a three dimensional thermal structure of the French sedimentary basins. The 3D thermal block enables us to extract isothermal surfaces and 2D sections (iso-depth maps and iso-longitude cross-sections). A number of anomalies with a limited depth and spatial extension have been identified, from shallow in the Rhine graben and Aquitanian basin, to deep in the Provence basin. Some of these anomalies (Paris basin, Alsace, south of the Provence basin) may be partly related to thick insulating sediments, while for some others (southwestern Aquitanian basin, part of the Provence basin) large-scale fluid circulation may explain superimposed cold and warm anomalies.


Micromachines ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 822
Author(s):  
Muhammad Tanveer ◽  
Kwang-Yong Kim

A laminar flow micro fuel cell comprising of bridge-shaped microchannel is investigated to find out the effects of the cross-section shape of the microchannel on the performance. A parametric study is performed by varying the heights and widths of the channel and bridge shape. Nine different microchannel cross-section shapes are evaluated to find effective microchannel cross-sections by combining three bridge shapes with three channel shapes. A three-dimensional fully coupled numerical model is used to calculate the fuel cell’s performance. Navier-Stokes, convection and diffusion, and Butler-Volmer equations are implemented using the numerical model. A narrow channel with a wide bridge shape shows the best performance among the tested nine cross-sectional shapes, which is increased by about 78% compared to the square channel with the square bridge shape.


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