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One-Dimensional Thermal Modeling Software Development
One-Dimensional Thermal Modeling Software Development
I am developing and testing a one-dimensional thermal modeling software designed to read user-provided exhumation histories and simulate geothermal evolution within the modeled space and thermochronologic ages for tracked samples. It addresses transient heat processes—advection, diffusion, and production—within a one-dimensional model of constant temperature boundary (top and bottom) conditions.
Motivation and potential application:
I have used or tried many thermal modeling code packages/software in my previous research, including:
- Pecube - solves 3D heat transport equation in a crustal/lithospheric block undergoing uplift and surface erosion, and characterized by an evolving, finite-amplitude surface topography. I have used the Pecube-HUGG version for large-scale inversion modeling and the Pecube-D version for incorporating sophisticated balanced cross-section style kinematics.
- GLIDE - A linear inversion method to infer exhumation rates in space and time from thermochronometric data.
- HeFTy - a program that can predict thermochronologic ages from specified temperature-time (T-t) histories and invert thermochronologic datasets to reconstruct the thermal histories of geological samples.
- age2exhume - a Matlab/Python script that calculates steady-state vertical exhumation rates from thermochronometric ages.
In recent years, I have further employed landscape evolution modeling (LEM) techniques to investigate the interactions between tectonic and surface processes. This has led me to consider estimating thermochronologic ages using computed erosion histories of LEM. However, I haven't found user-friendly software designed for this application. Pecube is a good candidate, but its 3D FORTRAN-based framework often requires significant computational resources and has a steep learning curve for beginners in numerical modeling. We are often interested in solving one-dimensional problems at key locations or locations along a geology transect.
Structural Analysis and Mechanical Stratigraphy
Structural Analysis and Mechanical Stratigraphy
An old airphoto with structural interpretation, Dillon area(The cover image of Northwest Geology, Volume 18, 1989)
The fold-and-thrust belt in southwestern Montana displays different deformation styles in different rock units during upper crustal shortening. The great exposure of bedrock at a site in the Dillon area provides an opportunity to investigate how the structures accommodate different deformation styles in different rock units and different structural positions. To do this, I conduct detailed geological mapping and intense data collection and construct 3D structural models. The fieldwork was conducted while I was teaching the geology field camp in several field seasons.
With my dissertation advisor, Dr. Michael Murphy, using the data and images I collected, we developed a virtual mapping project (with structural data analysis) for online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic-affected summer field camp in 2020.
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