Research: Mantle Dynamics
Mantle convection plays a central role in earth's dynamic system. It is the primary drive for plate tectonics, and is closely related to many tectonic processes, including earthquakes, volcanism, and crustal deformation, are related to mantle dynamics. I started studying mantle dynamics during my PhD research on mantle plumes, and have continued to work on numerical simulations of mantle convection in various aspects, especially lithospheric-asthenospheric interactions and mantle processes related to magma generation. Current research includes mantle flow under Asian continent related to the Indo-Asian collision, and the role of mantle flow in mountain building. I’m also collaborating with Eric Sandvol in investigating mantle structure under the New Madrid seismic zone and the circum-Ordos seismic belts.
Recent & Ongoing Projects
last update: winter 2005
credits
copyright 1999 Mian Liu
and The Curators of the University of Missouri