Earth's mantle cooling mechanisms studied by multiagent systems
type: Dataset
description: The coupling between plate tectonics and mantle convection is generally investigated with numerical resolution methods that prescribe the number of plates a priori. We have designed a new MACMA model (MultiAgent Convecting MAntle) that simulates time-dependent plate tectonics in a 2D cylindrical geometry with evolutive plate boundaries. Plate velocities are computed using a local force balance and explicit parameterizations are used to treat plate boundary processes such as trench migration, subduction initiation, continental breakup and plate suturing. The system's geometry and thermal state are subsequently updated at all times. In our model, the number of plates is not imposed but emerges naturally. This approach is based on multiagent systems in thermal and mechanical interaction. Our model involves four types of agents (convection cells, lithospheric plates, continents and plate boundaries) that collect information from their environment in order to make decisions controlled by behavior laws. Our approach has two goals: (1) to test how empirically- and analytically-determined rules for a specific agent's behavior affect plate dynamics as a whole, and (2) to investigate how mantle temperature evolution is influenced by evolving surface plate tectonics. We obtain predictions for driving forces and corresponding plate velocities that are in good agreement with observations. Our model highlights the key role played by the sea floor age distribution, and thus by local structure changes (e.g., creation of a new spreading ridge), on the short-term heat flux evolution. Moreover, the present-day thermal and geometrical state of the planet corresponds to a decreasing heat flow, as suggested by recent seafloor age reconstructions. In the long term, Earth's thermal history is classically studied using scaling laws that link surface heat loss to the temperature and viscosity of the convecting mantle. When such a parameterization is used in the global heat budget of the Eart…
issued: 2026-05-09T07:35:42.597480
language: fr
modified: 2026-05-09T07:35:42.597485
contact point: Organization
  fn: CCSD
keyword: catastrophe-thermique
keyword: distribution-des-ages-du-plancher-oceanique
keyword: driving-forces
keyword: earth-thermal-evolution
keyword: evolution-thermique-du-manteau-terrestre
keyword: evolutive-plate-tectonics
keyword: forces-motrices
keyword: infoeu-reposemanticsdoctoralthesis
keyword: laboratoire-virtuel
keyword: multiagent-systems
keyword: physphysphys-geo-phphysics-physicsphysics-physicsgeophysics-physicsgeo-ph
keyword: sdemcgenvironmental-sciencesglobal-changes
keyword: sdustugpsciences-of-the-universe-physicsearth-sciencesgeophysics-physicsgeo-ph
keyword: sea-floor-age-distribution
keyword: simulations-multi-agents
keyword: tectonique-des-plaques
keyword: thermal-catastrophe
keyword: theses
keyword: virtual-laboratory
landing page: https://theses.hal.science/tel-00874975

Earth's mantle cooling mechanisms studied by multiagent systems
type: Distribution
format: HTML
issued: 2026-05-09T07:35:42.608796
modified: 2026-05-09T07:35:42.577192
access URL: https://theses.hal.science/tel-00874975

test_moissonnage_selune
type: Agent