top of page

Research Interest

My research interest includes study of the mantle rheology with a special focus on the Large Low Shear Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs) in the lowermost mantle. I am interested in deciphering the dynamics and the thermo-chemical properties of the LLSVPs and the D" layer using shear wave radial anisotropy. 

Current project

Insight into the dynamics of the large low shear velocity provinces from shear wave anisotropy of the lowermost mantle

 

Earth's deep mantle dynamics are closely linked to the evolution of Large Low Shear Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs) at the 2900 km deep Core-Mantle Boundary (CMB). These dynamics drive large convective mantle cells that underpin Earth's plate tectonics. Our study explores the formation and deformation of LLSVPs through geodynamic modeling and seismic anisotropy analysis. Seismic anisotropy, indicating wave propagation varying with direction, occurs in the lowermost few hundred kilometers of the mantle, especially near LLSVP edges. High anisotropy in these regions may suggest significant deformation from mantle flow and the generation of mantle plumes. Using compressible 3-D global mantle convection models in ASPECT, we examine the flow behavior of the lower mantle and simulate seismic anisotropy with ECOMAN. Our results indicate that the lower mantle is generally isotropic, except in regions near LLSVP margins, where vertically polarized shear waves (Vsv) are faster due to high finite strain, while other areas are characterized by faster horizontally polarized shear waves (Vsh). Simulations are running to test the robustness of these findings and assess the impact of various factors, including different LLSVP densities, viscosities, and temperatures. Comparing simulated and observed shear wave radial anisotropy will enhance our understanding of the lower mantle's rheology and dynamics and how large scale structures in the lower mantle control the Earth's thermo-chemical evolution.

image_edited.jpg

Previous project

Constraining mantle viscosity structure using seismic anisotropy data

My previous research has focused on understanding the viscosity structure of Earth's mantle, which is a key driver of mantle convection along with density. Although density can be inferred from various tomography models, mantle viscosity remains a topic of debate. During my M.Tech. project, I explored whether seismic anisotropy, specifically SKS splitting data, could serve as a constraint to refine our understanding of the mantle's viscosity profile. I used the SH08 viscosity model as a base, combined with tomography models S40RTS and SAW642AN, along with joint modeling of lithospheric and mantle dynamics. Simulations of mantle dynamics are done using HC which is a semi-analytical global mantle circulation solver. This approach allowed me to assess how seismic anisotropy responds to viscosity changes in the lithosphere and asthenosphere. My findings indicate that the viscosity of the lithosphere is around 10^22 Pa-s, while the viscosity of the asthenosphere ranges from 3 × 10^20 to 5 × 10^20 Pa-s. Feeling curious? Dive into my M.Tech. thesis and see what's up!

comb_saw.jpg
comb_saw.jpg
comb_misfit_s40.jpg
comb_saw_misfit.jpg

Predicted global velocity plots from combined contribution (mantle+lithosphere) using  S40RTS and SAW642AN models and corresponding misfit plots 

sqda1-87smg_edited.jpg
p10ew-7oloa_edited.jpg
uxj4v-bo35i_edited.jpg
7wm02-r4jzj_edited.jpg

Variation of misfit between anisotropy and velocity direction (using S40RTS and SAW642AN) and modified SH08 viscosity from mantle and combined contribution (mantle+lithosphere).

bottom of page