An integrated multiscale approach toward the deformation of Earth's continental lithosphere

地球大陆岩石圈变形的综合多尺度方法

• 批准号: RGPIN-2019-06608
• 负责人: Jiang, Dazhi
• 金额: $ 2.19万
• 依托单位: University of Western Ontario
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=751147
• 关键词: integrated; multiscale; approach; toward; deformation

We propose to apply our multiscale numerical modeling to investigate the heterogeneous deformation of Earth's crust and mantle, to develop more rigorous ductile shear zone models, to determine the strength profile and deformation mode of continental crust, and to establish a quantitative method to constrain the tectonic boundary conditions from observations of small scale geological structures. Earth is unique among terrestrial planets in the solar system in that it has plate tectonics causing lithospheric plates to deform in plate boundary and interior regions. Understanding the physics of this deformation is of paramount significance both scientifically, for understanding the evolution of Earth and other planets, and practically for the welfare of human beings who live on the lithosphere, mitigate natural hazards, and derive energy, mineral, and other resources from it. Despite its close relationship to humanity, continental deformation over long terms (millions of years) and across vast space scales (comparable to the size of a continent like the North America) remains poorly understood because of the intrinsically heterogeneous nature of the continental lithosphere. The proposed research is significant not only because of its fundamental scientific implications but also its industrial, and societal applications. Geological structures are signatures of the deformation in Earth's crust and mantle related to the generation of geological hazards like earthquakes, landslides, and slope failures. Geological structures serve as conduits or barriers for fluid and heat fluxes in the crust and mantle that strongly affect the movement of water, gas, oil in the subsurface and the concentration of precious metals and minerals. The findings of the proposed fieldwork will shed light on both the regional tectonics of the study areas as well as on how Earth's continental lithosphere has deformed and evolved in general. The integrated modeling and field approach will lead to more efficient geological mapping, mining, and exploration of mineral and energy resources. The research outcome will thus contribute to Canada's economy in the mining and exploration industry. All this will help to raise Canada's stature as a major international research player. The research program serves as a platform to train and inspire many highly qualified personnel (HQP) in some of the most advanced skills of computing, field mapping, and laboratory instrument operation. Many Western graduate and undergraduate students, visiting scientists, and other research associates will be involved in the research activities. Due to the nature of the proposed research, combining fieldwork, laboratory analysis techniques, and numerical modeling, the HQP will be exposed to a very broad range of research techniques and approaches that will enhance and reach beyond their respective fields of study.

我们建议应用多尺寸数值建模来研究地壳和地幔的异质变形，以开发更严格的延性延展性剪切区模型，以确定大陆壳的强度曲线和变形模式，并建立一种定量方法，以建立一种从小规模地质结构的观察到的构造边界条件来限制构造边界条件。地球在太阳系中的陆地行星之间是独一无二的，因为它具有板块构造，从而导致岩石圈板在板界和内部区域中变形。理解这种变形的物理学在科学上是至关重要的，既是理解地球及其他行星的演变，也是对生活在岩石圈上，减轻自然危害的人类福利的实际意义，并从中获得了能量，矿物质和其他资源。尽管与人类的关系密切，但长期（数百万年）和巨大的空间尺度（与北美这样的大陆的规模相当）的大陆变形仍然很糟糕，因为大陆岩石圈的本质本质上异质性质。拟议的研究不仅是因为其基本的科学意义，而且是其工业和社会应用。地质结构是地球地壳和地幔中变形的签名，与地震，山地滑坡和斜坡故障等地质危害产生有关。地质结构用作地壳和地幔中的流体和热通量的导管或障碍，这些液体和热通量强烈影响水，气体，地下油中的油以及贵金属和矿物质的浓度。拟议的实地调查的发现将阐明研究区域的区域构造以及地球大陆岩石圈的变形和一般进化。集成的建模和现场方法将导致更有效的地质映射，采矿以及矿产和能源的探索。因此，研究结果将有助于加拿大在采矿和勘探行业的经济。所有这些都将有助于提高加拿大作为主要的国际研究参与者的地位。该研究计划是培训和激发许多高素质人员（HQP）的平台，以计算，现场映射和实验室仪器操作的一些最先进的技能。许多西方毕业生和本科生，访问科学家以及其他研究伙伴将参与研究活动。由于拟议的研究的性质，结合了现场工作，实验室分析技术和数值建模，HQP将暴露于非常广泛的研究技术和方法中，这些技术和方法将增强并超越各自的研究领域。