Quantifying Tectonic and Geomorphic Interpretations of Thermochronometer Data with Inverse Problem Theory

Quantifying Tectonic and Geomorphic Interpretations of Thermochronometer Data with Inverse Problem Theory

Year:    2011

Communications in Computational Physics, Vol. 9 (2011), Iss. 1 : pp. 129–146

Abstract

Thermochronometer data offer a powerful tool for quantifying a wide range of geologic processes, such as the deformation and erosion of mountain ranges, topographic evolution, and hydrocarbon maturation. With increasing interest to quantify a wider range of complicated geologic processes, more sophisticated techniques are needed. This paper is concerned with an inverse problem method for interpreting the thermochronometer data quantitatively. Two novel models are proposed to simulate the crustal thermal fields and paleo mountain topography as a function of tectonic and surface processes. One is a heat transport model that describes the change of temperature of rocks; while the other is surface process model which explains the change of mountain topography. New computational algorithms are presented for solving the inverse problem of the coupled system of these two models. The model successfully provides a new tool for reconstructing the kinematic and the topographic history of mountains.

You do not have full access to this article.

Already a Subscriber? Sign in as an individual or via your institution

Journal Article Details

Publisher Name:    Global Science Press

Language:    English

DOI:    https://doi.org/10.4208/cicp.090110.270410a

Communications in Computational Physics, Vol. 9 (2011), Iss. 1 : pp. 129–146

Published online:    2011-01

AMS Subject Headings:    Global Science Press

Copyright:    COPYRIGHT: © Global Science Press

Pages:    18

Keywords: