The PI proposes to perform a series of numerical benchmarks to test the 3D spherical TERRA mantle convection code. Velocity and temperature values and the Nusselt number will be calculated from the series of benchmark problems specified in 1993 by U. Christensen (European Benchmark). The calculations will be compared to results obtained from other models. The outcome of this work will be a quantitative benchmark of the TERRA code. He also proposes to evaluate the potential of the adjoint fluid dynamic method in mantle convection models. He will use the adjoint method to estimate unknown initial conditions in idealized mantle convection models. Estimates of the unknown initial conditions of mantle convection simulations will be obtained through a series of coupled forward-in-time and adjoint backward-in-time integrations. The outcome of this work will be to explore the utility and accuracy of the adjoint method in retrieving unknown initial conditions in mantle convection models.
