Review on the Study of Numerical Simulation of Crustal Deformation Dynamic Models in Sichuan-Yunnan Region

Sichuan-Yunnan region is located in the southeast margin of the Tibetan Plateau, and its crustal deformation characteristics have been one of the hot issues in the research, but the driving mechanism of the dynamic model of the deformation is still controversial. First,the theoretical results and research progress of the structural deformation model in Sichuan-Yunnan region based on the finite element numerical simulation method in recent years are reviewed, aiming to explore the influence of four tectonic models: block extrusion, middle-lower crust flow, gravity diffusion and mantle convection. The block extrusion model focuses on the crustal deformation controlled by the activity of the block boundary faults, but there are controversies in the selection of the secondary faults. The middle-lower crust flow model holds that there are weak layers with low viscosity and flow ability in deep crust, but its scale and size are still unclear. The gravity diffusion model plays an obvious role in the high altitude difference of Sichuan-Yunnan region, but it is uncertain whether the middle-lower crust flow are involved in this process. The influence of the drag force exerted by mantle convection on the bottom boundary of the lithosphere on the crustal movement has been gradually paid attention to. Second, the existing problems and challenges of finite element numerical simulation methods of dynamic models in Sichuan-Yunnan region are discussed. It is necessary to comprehensively consider all 4 types of dynamic models and reasonably construct finite element geometric and physical models in order to clarify the contribution of various external and internal driving forces to crustal deformation. Finally, the development direction of numerical simulation of dynamic model in Sichuan-Yunnan region is pointed out. Considering the coupling of multiple physical fields and the comprehensive application of multi-disciplinary data, the improvment of algorithm efficiency and stability on the basis of high performance computing technology may be the future trend of dynamic finite element numerical simulation research. © 2024 Editorial Department of Geomatics and Information Science of Wuhan University. All rights reserved.