A hierarchical mesh refinement technique for global 3-D spherical mantle convection modelling

D. R. Davies*, J. H. Davies, P. C. Bollada, O. Hassan, K. Morgan, P. Nithiarasu

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    34 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    A method for incorporating multi-resolution capabilities within pre-existing global 3-D spherical mantle convection codes is presented. The method, which we term "geometric multigrid refinement", is based upon the application of a multigrid solver on non-uniform, structured grids and allows for the incorporation of local high-resolution grids within global models. Validation tests demonstrate that the method is accurate and robust, with highly efficient solutions to large-scale non-uniform problems obtained. Significantly, the scheme is conceptually simple and straightforward to implement, negating the need to reformulate and restructure large sections of code. Consequently, although more advanced techniques are under development at the frontiers of mesh refinement and solver technology research, the technique presented is capable of extending the lifetime and applicability of pre-existing global mantle convection codes.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1095-1107
    Number of pages13
    JournalGeoscientific Model Development
    Volume6
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2013

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