This work involves numerical experiments that will characterize the yield strength of very young oceanic lithosphere by constraining the numerical models to match existing observations. Data from the Gorda Ridge will be used to constrain the relative strengths of lithosphere less than 2 Ma old, and 4-7 Ma old. The models will also test the physical factors controlling ridge-transform and overlapping spreading center geometry. Finally, the loading imposed by near-ridge seamounts will be modeled.
