Modelling the closure of narrow oceanic basins by means of numerical simulations

Abstract

Numerical simulations represent an established approach in investigation of geodynamic processes in the Earth's interior and it is applied to a vast variety of geological problems. The closure of a narrow oceanic realm is modelled in this paper. Firstly, a simplified numerical model of a narrow ocean is established. The thermomechanical system is then simulated by solving Navier-Stokes and temperature equations. By imposing boundary conditions for velocity the convergent regime is simulated which leads to a subduction process along a predefined weak shear zone mantle. The subduction subsequently results in development of magmatism, the final closure of the oceanic realm and the onset of continental collision. Considerable amount of ophiolites were successfully obducted onto the overriding continent during the course of the simulation.

Keywords

• geodynamics
• subduction
• 2d thermomechanical code
• ophiolites