What changed the movement direction of the Pacific plate: A numerical geodynamic modelling approach

Plate tectonics is the fundamental process driving geologic deformation and diversity on the planet, as well the engine for the life-sustaining global carbon cycle. The tectonic plates are in continual motion, creating and destroying the massive ocean crustal plates at mid-ocean ridge and subduction boundaries, however, there are still substantial uncertainties with aspects of this ocean/continent drift. The purpose of my research is to look at one of the primary outstanding questions: an enigmatic change in plate motion direction change of the Pacific plate approximately 47 million years ago. Although there were attempts to explain this major geodynamic event, none of the previous studies provide a convincing explanation. Advances in computational methods and processing are enabling more detailed numerical models of the dynamics of tectonic plates and their relationship with the Earth’s interior in long-time intervals. For the proposed project, I intend to collaborate with researchers in the UK to develop a new suite of 3D computational models to investigate the Pacific plate motion puzzle. We believe that this geodynamic modelling approach will yield useful new insights, and the impact of the outcomes of this project will be high.

Faculty Supervisor:

Russell Pysklywec

Student:

Partner:

Durham University

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Toronto

Program: