Numerical modeling of the formation and migration of mid-ocean ridges

• Grant number: 25/08421-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geophysics
• Principal Investigator: Victor Sacek
• Grantee: Sora Satie Faria Nishimi
• Host Institution: Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas (IAG). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The planet Earth is unique in the solar system in terms of its geodynamic regime of plate tectonics, in which the Earth's surface is divided into a set of lithospheric plates that move over geological time. An important aspect of this regime is the continuous formation of oceanic plates at mid-ocean ridges - a complex process that involves understanding the behavior of crustal and mantle rocks during magmatic and tectonic processes. The objective of this project is to evaluate how thermal, rheological, and kinematic factors influence the formation of oceanic lithosphere, potentially contributing to the maintenance of the mid-ocean ridge or its abrupt migration to adjacent regions - a phenomenon known as ridge jump. To this end, the software Mandyoc will be used, which simulates the thermomechanical evolution of the Earth's crust and mantle over geological time in different geodynamic contexts, allowing the exploration of magmatic phenomena. The numerical results will be compared with natural examples where evidence of ridge jump has been proposed to explain the seafloor evolution pattern. (AU)