LIU RESEARCH GROUP
In our geodynamics group, we are interested in many aspects of the long-term evolution of the solid Earth. A common approach we use to understand these complex dynamic processes is geodynamic modelling with data assimilation techniques. In practice, we use both sequential (forward) and variational (inverse) assimilation algorithms to construct the models. A summary of our ongoing research can be seen from the following projects.
1. THE UPS AND DOWNS OF CONTINENTS
A fundamental question in earth sciences is how past subduction processes affected the surface topographic evolution of continents. North America represents one of the best examples, with well-preserved Late Cretaceous marine sediments sitting on top the current high elevations of western North America. These sedimentary records provide valuable information on the past subduction process of the Farallon plate, major of which is now recycled into the deep mantle beneath the continent. We developed an inverse mantle convection model using the adjoint data-assimilation algorithm to reconstruct the Farallon subduction history back to the Cretaceous. Relevant publications: Liu & Gurnis (JGR, 2008); Liu et al. (Science, 2008); Spasojevic et al. (GRL, 2008; G-cubed, 2009); Liu et al. (Nature Geoscience, 2010); Liu & Gurnis (Geology, 2010); Liu et al. (Geology, 2011); Liu (Nature Geoscience, 2014; Rev. Geophys., 2015); Heller & Liu (GSAB, 2016).
| Figure description: A reconstructed flat-slab subduction scenario beneath North America during the Late Cretaceous, showing both the mantle structure and surface topography (based on Liu et al., Science, 2008). |
2. ORIGIN OF INTRAPLATE VOLCANISM
Formation of volcanic activities inside a tectonic plate (intraplate) remains elusive. In particular, it is unclear to what extent these processes represent shallow tectonic consequences and to what extent they are affected by deeper mantle dynamics (asthenosphere upwelling, mantle plumes, etc). We circumvent this problem by quantifying the various tectonic and mantle processes using a combination of forward and adjoint data assimilation techniques. During this process, both surface geology and present-day mantle seismic images provide important constraints on the relevant subduction process and mantle dynamics. Relevant publications: Liu & Stegman (EPSL, 2011; Nature, 2012); Liu & Zhou (GRL, 2015); Leonard & Liu (GRL, 2016), Zhou et al. (Nature Geoscience, 2018).
| Figure description: Predicted Farallon slab geometry and mantle flow during the Middle Miocene, overlain by the Steens-Columbia River flood basalt province. Note the perfect correlation between the slab hole and the surface volcanism location (based on Liu & Stegman, Nature, 2012). |
3. CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF FLAT SLAB SUBDUCTION
Flat-slab subduction could greatly affect the surface geology of the overriding plate. Yet, both the physical mechanisms and tectonic implications of flat slabs are debated. We attempt to better understand these questions by simulating the past 100 Ma subduction history beneath the South American plate. In order to evaluate the respective contributions of different tectonic elements on the formation of South American flat slabs, we progressively assimilate these features into the forward subduction model and quantify their effects on modulating the slab dip angel evolution over space and time. Our best-fit model provides multiple novel insights on flat slab dynamics, as well as how this abnormal subduction process influence the mantle and lithosphere evolution. Relevant publications: Liu et al. (Science, 2008; Nature Geoscience, 2010); Liu & Zhou (GRL, 2015); Hu et al. (EPSL, 2016); Hu & Liu (EPSL, 2016).
| Figure description: Location of on-going flat slabs in South America. Other tectonic units include crayons subduction aseismic ridges and oceanic plates (Based on Hu et al., EPSL, 2016). |
4. DYNAMIC EVOLUTION OF CRATONIC LITHOSPHERE
Cratons are long-lived tectonic units within continents, whose evolution is not readily explained by the theory of plate tectonics. We hope to understand the physical and compositional nature of cratonic lithosphere following a multidisciplinary perspective. Questions we ask include how cratons survived geologic times and how they get altered or destroyed. We attempt to find answers to these basic questions by examining their thermal, composition, gravitational and mechanical properties. One example on this research is that we pioneer in bringing a unique geophysical imaging technique, magnetotelluric (MT) tomography, into geodynamic modeling. We find that the electric conductivity of rocks provides an excellent proxy for their mechanical strength. Relevant publication: Liu & Hasterok (Science, 2016); Hu et al. (EPSL, 2017); Hu et al. (Nature Geoscience, 2018).
Figure description: A lithosphere deformation model, utilizing an effective viscosity structure converted from MT imaging, successfully reproduces the rough surface topography, Basin & Range extension and active upwelling below recent volcanic regions. (based on Liu & Hasterok, Science, 2016).
5. COUPLED MANTLE DYNAMICS – LANDSCAPE EVOLUTION MODELLING
Although it has been gradually recognised that mantle convection induced dynamic topography could modulate surface topography over long-wavelength (>200 km) and large time-scales (~10 million years), the exact expression of these mantle dynamic effects remains elusive. An important reason is that sedimentary stratigraphy that provide high fidelity constraints on dynamic topography is available only at restricted geographic regions. A promising solution to this problem is a coupled landscape-mantle evolution modelling approach, where the sensitive response of fluvial processes to subtle changes of surface topography provides a valuable constraint on the signal of dynamic topography. Eastern North America turns out to be an ideal location for performing this research due to its rich records on fluvial and erosion history (Galloway et al., 2011), which represents one of the newest projects in our group. Relevant publications: Liu (Nature Geoscience, 2014; Rev. Geophys., 2015); Chang & Liu (JGR, in review).
| Figure description: A reconstructed paleo-topography map of eastern United States at 15 million years ago, based on the mantle model of Liu et al. (2008). Fluvial and sedimentation features include independently inferred drainage systems and offshore marine deposition centres (based on Liu, Nature Geosci., 2014). |
6. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUBDUCTION AND DEEP EARTHQUAKES
Formation of deep earthquakes remains one of the fundamental mysteries of geophysics. It is generally believed that deep earthquakes are mechanically different from shallow earthquakes due to the high pressure and high temperature conditions at depths. However, none of the published mechanical models could systematically explain all the characteristics of deep earthquakes. We proposed a new mechanical model that involvers the differential contraction between the subducting oceanic crust and the underlying oceanic mantle lithosphere. This model provides a better interpretation of deep earthquake properties than earlier models. Our high-resolution subduction models also provide new insights on earthquake generation within subducting slabs. Relevant publications:Liu & Zhang (EPSL, 2015); Hu & Liu (EPSL, 2016).
| Figure description: A subduction model depicting the differential contraction motion between the subducting crust and mantle lithosphere, which generates internal down-dip compressional stress inside the slab (based on Liu & Zhang, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 2015). |