Toy-model experiments inspired by geophysical phenomena

张骏 (Jun Zhang)

New York University; New York University Shanghai

2021.10.15（Friday）10:00-11:30，Science Building 2 -2821

Abstract：

Geophysical processes and phenomena are exceedingly complex as they involve intricate physical and chemical mechanisms over many spatial and temporal scales, and have too many independent parameters. To better understand a geophysical phenomenon, one has to focus on a few key parameters but overlook many others. In this talk, we discuss a few laboratory experiments that are seemingly too simple to replicate any geophysical reality. Still, these toy-models might retain one or two crucial factors that are (at least) inspired by their geophysical counterparts. In particular, we will study how a model-continent oscillates over a convective 'mantle' and recreate the so-called Wilson Cycle. In another experiment, we discuss how thermal convection drives a symmetric rotor to spin indefinitely, a solution similar to the discovery found 25 years ago on the super rotation of the solid core of the earth.

Profile:

Zhang Jun is currently a joint professor of physics and mathematics at New York University Shanghai and New York University, and a global distinguished professor at New York University. Since 2001, Professor Zhang has also served as the co-director of the Applied Mathematics Laboratory of the New York University Courant Institute of Mathematics. Professor Zhang received his Ph.D. in physics from the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen and is currently a Fellow of the American Physical Society.