The investigators propose to develop and test global dynamic Earth models and regional dynamic models of subduction zones. By studying slab structure at regional scales, they will constrain material properties of slabs, which are difficult to determine with global models. Such regional models of subduction zones can also be tested with relative sea--level. They propose to first develop regional spherical models for North America since ~ 80 Ma, the Tonga-Kermedec region since ~ 60 Ma, and the Mariana to Japan region since ~ 50 Ma. They will attempt to constrain the effective viscosity of these subduction zones. Using such constraints on viscosity from regional subduction zone models the investigators will formulate global flow models constrained by plate tectonic evolution since ~ 100 Ma. Such models will first be tested against global tomographic inversions and then against relative sea--level change.
