Description: A blog and platform about Solid Earth numerical simulations
I am a postdoctoral researcher in Geodynamics in the Foalab group, Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford. I'm interested in understanding how the Earth's rigid surface moves and deforms over millions of years, known as plate tectonics. In particular, I use computer models to study the role of magma in the deformation and dynamics of tectonic plate boundaries.
New mid-ocean ridge model to investigate buoyancy-driven flow due to porosity, composition, and temperature. Right: simulation showing development of asymmetry beneath ridge axis and small-scale convection at the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. Top panel represents melt fraction (porosity); bottom panel represents bulk density relative to reference solid mantle.
How does magmatism promote and shape rifts in continental and oceanic lithosphere? In this project, we plan to focus on magma generation and transport at spreading ridges, but also on deformation of host rock to investigate processes such as diking and faulting. We are also developing numerical tools (FD-PDE framework) that are suitable for magma dynamics theory with visco-elasto-plastic rheology.