[Dynamic Topography Output] Resolution changes from 0.125° to 0.5° after step 11 in box model

ASPECT
1

Hi everyone,

I’m using ASPECT version 3.0.0 and I’ve encountered an issue with the dynamic topography output resolution.

The files dynamic_topography_top00000 to dynamic_topography_top00010 have a consistent output grid spacing of 0.125 degrees. However, starting from dynamic_topography_top00011, the horizontal resolution changes to 0.5 degrees and remains at that coarser resolution for all subsequent outputs.

In contrast, the corresponding dynamic_topography_bottom files maintain a resolution of 0.125 degrees throughout the simulation.

The relevant parameters of my model are as follows:

subsection Geometry model
  set Model name = box
  subsection Box
    set X extent = 666.e3 #6°
    set Y extent = 666.e3 #6°
    set Z extent = 660.e3 #660km 
    set X repetitions = 12
    set Y repetitions = 12
    set Z repetitions = 33
  end
end

subsection Mesh refinement
  set Initial global refinement          = 1 
  set Initial adaptive refinement        = 0
  set Strategy                           = temperature
end

subsection Postprocess
  set List of postprocessors = visualization, velocity statistics, temperature statistics,basic statistics,dynamic topography
  subsection Visualization
    set List of output variables =stress, strain rate, dynamic topography,maximum horizontal compressive stress, material properties
    set Time between graphical output = 1e3 
#    set Output format = vtk
    set Interpolate output = true
  end
end

I’m not sure what might be causing this problem. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Best,
Haolin

2

@XHL-CUG Do you adapt the mesh every few time steps? Is the change in resolution related to a time step in which the mesh changes?

Best
W.

3

Hi Haolin,

I echo what Wolfgang is suggesting about the mesh adapting. In your parameter file since you do not specifiy the parameter Time steps between mesh refinement, ASPECT will use the default value. The default value is to adapt the mesh every 10 time steps, so this is why the output is consistent until the 11th output.

Cheers,

Daniel

4

Hi @bangerth ,@daniel.douglas

Thank you for your prompt reply. I have checked my prm file, and you are right. I hadn’t specified the parameter Time steps between mesh refinement. I’ve now set it accordingly.

I really appreciate your help!

Best,
Haolin

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