Geodynamic models used to predict plate motions (IMAGE)

University of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center

Geodynamic models used to predict plate motions

Caption

Three-dimensional view of the geodynamic model at 50 million years ago, when the Pacific Plate motion changed from northerly to more westward direction. This motion, resolved through simulations for the first time, accounts for the 60-degree bend in the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain. KRO - Kronotsky subduction zone; PAC – Pacific; PHI - Philippine Sea Plate; CMB - core-mantle boundary.

Credit

Michael Gurnis, Caltech

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