LithAni: Lithosphere dynamics with anisotropic tectonic plates

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Thibault Duretz
• Subject Area: Geophysics ; Geology
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 555090348

First-order geophysical and geological observations indicate that the lithosphere is anisotropic. Sources of mechanical anisotropy can be extrinsic (e.g. layers, structures) or intrinsic (e.g. strain-induced crystallographic orientations) and are common throughout the lithosphere. Lithosphere dynamics models are typically employed to study the long-term evolution of the lithosphere and the Earth’s surface. Nevertheless, while deformation is major source of anisotropy, the role of mechanical anisotropy on deformation is often neglected in geodynamic models. The LithAni project aims at evaluating the impact of lithospheric mechanical anisotropy on lithosphere dynamics. Emphasis will be set on three tasks: (1) verify a newly developed anisotropic rheological models of visco-elasto-viscoplastic deformation, (2) analyse patterns of strain localisation in anisotropic rock deformation models and (3) evaluate the impact of mechanical anisotropy on the development of rifts and the structure of rifted margins. Both the influence of inherited anisotropy and of progressively developing anisotropy will be investigated. All the tools developed in the frame of LithAni (rheological model, geophysical post-processing) will be made publicly available via community-driven initiatives (GeoParams.jl).

• DFG Programme: Research Grants