CAREER: Geodynamic Study of Earth's Mantle Asthenosphere and Core

Although plate tectonic theory was accepted in the geological community more than 40 yrs ago, many basic concepts of plate dynamics, such as the physical properties of the lithosphere, composition, temperature, physical dimensions, differences between oceanic and continental plates, and how plate motion is accommodated by the underlying asthenosphere is still unknown today. The physical nature of the lubrication beneath lithospheric plates that allows them to move is actively debated. The lubricating layer beneath tectonic plates known as the asthenosphere is part of a multi-layered structure of the interior of the Earth including the plates themselves, the silicate mantle (~half the Earth's outer radius), and the central iron core (~3400 km inner radius). We know that the early rocks of our solar system, known as chondrites, consisted of a complex matrix of iron and silicates, however, the Earth's interior today exhibits complete separation of these two substances between the iron core and silicate mantle. The career objectives proposed here encompass two main focus directions to study 1) the lithosphere and asthenosphere in oceanic and continental mantle and 2) differentiation and formation of the Earth's interior layers during core formation. This work will be carried out by methods that integrate seismology and geophysical fluid dynamics. Seismic work using newly collected ocean bottom seismometer data and land instruments, will be combined with laboratory fluid experiments designed to address fundamental scientific questions. The educational component of this proposal is two fold, 1) to attract underrepresented minority students to the geological sciences and 2) improve quantitative skills in geoscience students through introduction of math lessons through familiar geological problems. A new minority program in geology at CSUN titled 'Geological Experience for Minority Students' (GEMS) will guide students throughout their undergraduate degree as part of a program with mentoring, peer support, regular workshops, involvement in research activities, and field work in south Africa and marine research cruises. Funds are also requested to develop a new course titled "Mathematical Tools for Geologists", that will present mathematical concepts from the perspective of geological problems.