Dear Experts,
I hope this email finds you well.
I am currently using the Ubuntu 23.1 system and have recently downloaded the ASPECT 2.6-pre version code for numerical simulation of continental rifting. The versions of other software I am using are deal.II 9.5.2, Trilinos 13.2.0, and p4est 2.3.2.
I would like to apologize for deleting my previous inquiry, as I wasn’t fully clear on the logic of the code and the questions I needed to ask. After some time spent testing, I have clarified the issues I am encountering. Below are my questions:
Integration of Melt Functions: I have merged functions from melt_simple.cc and katz2003_mantle_melting.cc into visco_plastic.cc so that I can simultaneously calculate the lithosphere’s rheological processes and changes in melting degree. This integration allows for easier incorporation of melting effects on density and viscosity in the future rather than in postprocess stage. Currently, I have simply combined all functions, and the output parameters such as density and viscosity (out.densities, out.viscosities) are not yet affected by the melting degree. If possible, could you review the evaluate function in my code and provide suggestions on how to relate the melting degree to density and viscosity?
Background Field Output: I am trying to output a background field to visualize it in Paraview software. I added an asthenosphere field in the output function and assigned it the value of volume_fractions[0] (as noted in the commented code in the first image). Although the compilation of ASPECT is successful, I encounter an error during the iteration (as shown in the second image). It seems that the array I created is not initialized properly. If convenient, could you check my visco_plastic_grain.cc file and advise me on how to modify the assignment process for this array to allow smooth iteration and output of the background field?
Fastscape Plugin Parameters: To simulate the rift sedimentation process, I have coupled the Fastscape plugin. However, as shown in images three and four, even though plastic strain accumulates, there is no significant fluctuation in the topography, and the sediment thickness at 11 Ma appears abnormal, with faults not controlling the sedimentation process. This might be due to insufficient settings for the Fastscape parameters in my .prm file. Could you please guide me on how to set the Fastscape parameters correctly to enable ASPECT to simulate the sediment filling process accurately?
Melt Transport Functionality: When integrating melt_simple.cc with visco_plastic.cc, I retained the melt transport functionality. I believe this is a valuable feature; however, enabling it leads to a noticeable decrease in iteration speed. In the context of considering melting effects during continental rifting processes, should I enable this functionality? Are there any detailed references discussing the impacts of melt transport functionality? I have only found information in the manual concerning the effects of melt transport on large-scale tectonics, such as mantle plumes.
Lastly, I would like to mention that I have provided the modified plugin polygon_temp_comp_topo.zip, which is based on the work of Anne Glerum, Derek Neuharth and other experts. I have changed the plugin’s name, added middle crust compositions, and modified the temperature field calculation method.
I look forward to your professional guidance on my questions. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Best regards,
Chenghui Zeng
polygon_temp_comp_topo.zip (6.3 MB)
visco_plastic_melt.zip (6.2 MB)
20240823.prm (31.8 KB)