Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1354
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1354
31 Mar 2025
 | 31 Mar 2025

The tracer nudging method for correcting and preventing uneven tracer distributions in geodynamical models

Paul James Tackley

Abstract. Tracers/markers/particles are commonly used in geodynamical models to track composition and sometimes temperature throughout the domain. A common problem is that over time, gaps in the tracer distribution can develop, often resulting in cells with no tracers as well as bunching of tracers. Here a correction method that perturbs or “nudges” the positions of tracers in such a way as to close gaps and eliminate bunching is presented. Test results show that this tracer nudging method is highly effective. Starting from an extremely heterogeneous tracer distribution with large regions of the domain devoid of tracers, it can produce an even distribution in only a few nudge iterations. In a time-stepping situation with a nudge every time-step, the amplitudes of the nudges are small yet sufficient to prevent gaps and bunches, allowing a low-order tracer advection method to be used while maintaining a tracer distribution that is more even than that obtained using higher-order advection methods alone. The nudge essentially corrects any non-conservation error inherent in an advection method. The computational cost is small because the method simply requires solving a Poisson equation.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this paper. While Copernicus Publications makes every effort to include appropriate place names, the final responsibility lies with the authors. Views expressed in the text are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
Share
Paul James Tackley

Status: final response (author comments only)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-1354', Anonymous Referee #1, 05 May 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-1354', Anonymous Referee #2, 19 May 2025
  • AC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-1354', Paul Tackley, 23 Jun 2025
Paul James Tackley

Model code and software

Software accompanying manuscript "The tracer nudging method for correcting and preventing uneven tracer distributions in geodynamical models" ETH Zurich and Paul J. Tackley https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15065273

Paul James Tackley

Viewed

Total article views: 659 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total BibTeX EndNote
608 35 16 659 15 25
  • HTML: 608
  • PDF: 35
  • XML: 16
  • Total: 659
  • BibTeX: 15
  • EndNote: 25
Views and downloads (calculated since 31 Mar 2025)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 31 Mar 2025)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 667 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 667 with geography defined and 0 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 
Latest update: 05 Sep 2025
Download
Short summary
Tracers are commonly used in geodynamical models to track composition, but a common problem is that over time, gaps in the tracer distribution can develop, as well as bunches. Here a method to correct such problems is presented and tested. The method perturbs or “nudges” the positions of tracers in such a way as to close gaps and eliminate bunching. Test results show that this tracer nudging method is highly effective. The computational cost is small.
Share