0000000000805572
AUTHOR
Harro Schmeling
showing 2 related works from this author
Continental collision and the dynamic and thermal evolution of the Variscan orogenic crustal root — numerical models
2001
Abstract Orogeny is modelled numerically by treating continental collision within full convection solutions, in order to better understand some aspects of the Variscan structures and processes. Three different approaches are taken: (1) collision where one ‘continental plate’ is ‘pushed’ against another across a zone of weakness; (2) gravitational instability of a lithospheric mantle root leading to delamination, slab break-off and crustal root reduction; (3) melting in the lower part of a crustal orogenic root. The first approach demonstrates that thick (but in the models: cool) roots can accumulate, in which upper crustal rocks are carried to great depth and mantle material may be carried …
A comparison of numerical surface topography calculations in geodynamic modelling: an evaluation of the ‘sticky air’ method
2012
SUMMARY Calculating surface topography in geodynamic models is a common numerical problem. Besides other approaches, the so-called ‘sticky air’ approach has gained interest as a free-surface proxy at the top boundary. The often used free slip condition is thereby vertically extended by introducing a low density, low viscosityfluid layer. This allows the air/crust interface to behave in a similar manner to a true free surface. We present here a theoretical analysis that provides the physical conditions under which the sticky air approach is a valid approximation of a true free surface. Two cases are evaluated that characterize the evolution of topography on different timescales: (1) isostati…