King, Scott D. and Anderson, Don L. (1998) Edge-driven convection. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 160 (3-4). pp. 289-296. ISSN 0012-821X. doi:10.1016/S0012-821X(98)00089-2. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20121010-083642138
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Abstract
We consider a series of simple calculations with a step-function change in thickness of the lithosphere and imposed, far-field boundary conditions to illustrate the influence of the lithosphere on mantle flow. We consider the effect of aspect ratio and far-field boundary conditions on the small-scale flow driven by a discontinuity in the thickness of the lithosphere. In an isothermal mantle, with no other outside influences, the basic small-scale flow aligns with the lithosphere such that there is a downwelling at the lithospheric discontinuity (edge-driven flow); however, the pattern of the small-scale flow is strongly dependent on the large-scale thermal structure of a much broader area of the upper mantle. Long-wavelength temperature anomalies in the upper mantle can overwhelm edge-driven flow on a short timescale; however, convective motions work to homogenize these anomalies on the order of 100 million years while cratonic roots can remain stable for longer time periods. A systematic study of the effect of the boundary conditions and aspect ratio of the domain shows that small-scale, and large-scale flows are driven by the lithosphere. Edge-driven flow produces velocities on the order of 20 mm/yr. This is comparable to calculations by others and we can expect an increase in this rate as the mantle viscosity is decreased.
Item Type: | Article | |||||||||
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Additional Information: | © 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. Received 15 January 1998; revised version received 21 April 1998; accepted 28 April 1998. | |||||||||
Subject Keywords: | mantle; convection; flood basalts; mantle plumes | |||||||||
Issue or Number: | 3-4 | |||||||||
DOI: | 10.1016/S0012-821X(98)00089-2 | |||||||||
Record Number: | CaltechAUTHORS:20121010-083642138 | |||||||||
Persistent URL: | https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20121010-083642138 | |||||||||
Official Citation: | Scott D King, Don L Anderson, Edge-driven convection, Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Volume 160, Issues 3–4, August 1998, Pages 289-296, ISSN 0012-821X, 10.1016/S0012-821X(98)00089-2. (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0012821X98000892) | |||||||||
Usage Policy: | No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided. | |||||||||
ID Code: | 34809 | |||||||||
Collection: | CaltechAUTHORS | |||||||||
Deposited By: | Ruth Sustaita | |||||||||
Deposited On: | 10 Oct 2012 16:36 | |||||||||
Last Modified: | 09 Nov 2021 23:10 |
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