Finite element software for calculating fluid flow and heat transport for seamounts

Abstract

A large number of bathymetric discontinuities mark the bottom of the oceans. Among these features, seamounts protruding the sedimentary layer can play a major role in establishing a continuous exchange of fluids and heat between the oceanic lithosphere and the ocean. Here we present finite element codes for calculating the flow, temperature and pressure distributions inside seamounts using a general-purpose finite element solver. We solve the coupled equations of continuity, Darcy equation, and energy conservation equation in 2-D. We present a numerical axisymmetrical model tailored to the real geometry of the Grizzly Bare seamount located on the Juan de Fuca plate. The surface heat flow shows a good correlation between our models and in-situ available observations. In this work we provide complete open access to numerical codes which are intended to be simple and easy to adapt for a wide range of seamounts shapes and sizes.