Sutherland, Rupert, Gurnis, Michael, Kamp, Peter J. J., House, Martha A.
We analyze spatial trends and statistical properties of 410 apatite and zircon fission track and (U-Th)/He ages, and implement a weighted least-squares regression scheme to obtain the regional rock...
Instantaneous dynamics of the cratonic Congo basin (2009)
Downey, Nathan J., Gurnis, Michael
Understanding the formation mechanisms of cratonic basins provides an examination of the rheological, compositional and thermal properties of continental cratons. However, these mechanisms are poorly...
Bower, Dan J., Gurnis, Michael, Jackson, Jennifer M., Sturhahn, Wolfgang
Using a numerical model we explore the consequences of the intrinsic density change (Δρ/ρ ≈ 2–4%) caused by the Fe^(2+) spin transition in ferropericlase on the style and vigor of mantle...
Spasojevic, Sonja, Liu, Lijun, Gurnis, Michael
We apply adjoint models of mantle convection to North America since the Late Cretaceous. The present-day mantle structure is constrained by seismic tomography and the time-dependent evolution by...
Hebert, Laura Baker, Antoshechkina, Paula, Asimow, Paul, Gurnis, Michael
We use a petrological model (pHMELTS), coupled with a 2D thermal and variable viscosity flow model (ConMan), to describe and compare fundamental processes occurring within subduction zones. We study...
Long-wavelength tilting of the Australian continent since the Late Cretaceous (2009)
DiCaprio, Lydia, Gurnis, Michael, Müller, R. Dietmar
Global sea level and the pattern of marine inundation on the Australian continent are inconsistent. We quantify this inconsistency and show that it is partly due to a long wavelength, anomalous,...
DiCaprio, Lydia, Müller, R. Dietmar, Gurnis, Michael, Goncharov, Alexey
The Tonga-Kermadec subduction system in the southwest Pacific preserves a series of crustal elements and sediments which have recorded subduction initiation, rift, and back-arc basin formation. The...
Thermomechanics of mid-ocean ridge segmentation (2008)
Choi, Eun-seo, Lavier, Luc, Gurnis, Michael
The mechanics responsible for the initiation of the orthogonal pattern characterizing mid-ocean ridges and transform faults are studied using numerical models. The driving forces are thermal stresses...
Reconstructing Farallon plate subduction beneath North America back to the Late Cretaceous (2008)
Liu, Lijun, Spasojevic, Sonja, Gurnis, Michael
Using an inverse mantle convection model that assimilates seismic structure and plate motions, we reconstruct Farallon plate subduction back to 100 million years ago. Models consistent with...
A benchmark study on mantle convection in a 3-D spherical shell using CitcomS (2008)
Zhong, Shijie, McNamara, Allen, Tan, Eh, Moresi, Louis, Gurnis, Michael
As high-performance computing facilities and sophisticated modeling software become available, modeling mantle convection in a three-dimensional (3-D) spherical shell geometry with realistic physical...
Horizontal subduction and truncation of the Cocos Plate beneath central Mexico (2008)
Pérez-Campos, Xyoli, Kim, YoungHee, Husker, Allen, Davis, Paul M., Clayton, Robert W., Iglesias, Arturo, ...
Based on analysis of data from a trans-Mexico temporary broadband seismic network centered on Mexico City, we report that the subducting Cocos Plate beneath central Mexico is horizontal, and...
Sun, Daoyuan, Helmberger, Don, Gurnis, Michael
Recently, a metastable thermal-chemical convection model was proposed to explain the African Superplume. Its bulk tabular shape remains relatively stable while its interior undergoes significant...
Evolving force balance during incipient subduction (2004)
Gurnis, Michael, Hall, Chad, Lavier, Luc
Nearly half of all active subduction zones initiated during the Cenozoic. All subduction zones associated with active back arc extension have initiated since the Eocene, hinting that back arc...
Billen, Magali I., Gurnis, Michael
Using three-dimensional (3-D) instantaneous dynamic models of the Central Aleutian subduction zone, we show that a low viscosity, low density (deltarho = 10 kg/m3) region in the wedge is needed to...
Conrad, Clinton P., Gurnis, Michael
Mantle density heterogeneities, imaged using seismic tomography, contain information about time-dependent mantle flow and mantle structures that existed in the past. We model the history of mantle...
Slabs in the lower mantle and their modulation of plume formation (2002)
Tan, Eh, Gurnis, Michael, Han, Lijie
Numerical mantle convection models indicate that subducting slabs can reach the core-mantle boundary (CMB) for a wide range of assumed material properties and plate tectonic histories. An increase in...
Gurnis, Michael, Mitrovica, Jerry X., Ritsema, Jeroen, Van Heijst, Hendrik-Jan
We explore the hypothesis that southern Africa is actively being uplifted by a large-scale, positively buoyant structure within the mid-lower mantle. Using a new formulation in which dynamic...
Zhong, Shijie, Gurnis, Michael, Hulbert, Gregory M.
Accurate determination of surface normal stresses from numerical modeling of mantle convection is crucial in determining surface topography, geoid and gravity anomalies. With the finite element...
Sun, Daoyuan, Tan, Eh, Helmberger, Don, Gurnis, Michael
Recently, a metastable thermal-chemical convection model was proposed to explain the African Superplume. Its bulk tabular shape remains relatively stable while its interior undergoes significant...