Adrian Lenardic
Assistant Professor

Research:

Geodynamics, Mantle Processes

My research involves geodynamical modeling applied to problems of coupled mantle flow, heat loss, and tectonics. A key focus is on understanding the coupling between mantle flow and continental dynamics, mainly through the use of numerical models. Examples include the use of heat flow data and numerical modeling to map the effects of continents on mantle heat loss; understanding how mantle stresses are transmitted through continental plates; modeling the structure of continental lithosphere using seismic and geochemical data as constraints; and work related to the broad issue of how continents interact with and alter large scale mantle convection. My interest in thermal/chemical convection has also taken my research efforts to studies of magma chamber evolution. Another key research focus is incorporating hydrosphere related process (e.g., erosion, water induced weakening of rocks) into models of coupled mantle flow and crustal deformation. My interest in the effects of water on the Earth's thermo-tectonic evolution has also lead me to explore how the lack of water may have effected the evolution of Venus and into problems of comparative planetology in general.

Selected Publications

Lenardic, A., and L-N. Moresi, "Heat flux scalings for mantle convection below a conducting lid: resolving seemingly inconsistent modeling results regarding continental heat flow," Geophys. Res. Lett., 28 (2001): 1311-1314.

Lenardic, A., L. Guillou-Frottier, J.-C. Mareschal, C. Jaupart, L.-N. Moresi, and W.M. Kaula, "What the mantle sees: the effects of continents on mantle heat flow," The History and Dynamics of Global Plate Motions, edited by M. Richards, R. Gordon, and R. van der Hilst, AGU Press (2000): 95-112.

Lenardic, A., L.-N. Moresi, and H. Muhlhaus, "The role of mobile belts for the longevity of deep cratonic lithosphere: the crumple zone model," Geophys. Res. Lett., 27 (2000): 1235-1238.

Lenardic, A., and L.-N. Moresi, "A new class of equilibrium lithospheric geotherms," Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 176 (2000): 331-338.

Lenardic, A., and L.-N. Moresi, "Some thoughts on the stability of cratonic lithosphere: the effects of buoyancy and viscosity," J. Geophys. Res.-B, 104 (1999): 12,747-12,758.

Moresi, L.-N., and A. Lenardic, "Three-dimensional mantle convection with continental crust: first-generation numerical simulations," Earth Interactions, 3 (1999): 002.

Lenardic, A., "On the partitioning of mantle heat loss below oceans and continents over time and its relationship to the Archean paradox," Geophys. J. Int., 134 (1998): 706-720.

Pending Publications

O'Neill, C., L.-N. Moresi, A. Lenardic, and C.M. Cooper, "Inferences on Australias heat flow and thermal structure from mantle convection modelling results,," Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, (Provisionally Accepted).

Lenardic, A., and L.-N. Moresi, "Thermal convection below a conducting lid of variable extent: heat flow scalings and two-dimensional numerical simulations," Physics of Fluids, (Submitted).

Jellinek, A.M., A. Lenardic, and M. Manga, "The influence of interior mantle temperature on the structure of plumes: heads for Venus tails for Earth," Geophys. Res. Lett., (In Press).