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The effect of depth-dependent viscosity on convective mixing in the mantle and the possible survival of primitive mantle

Gurnis, Michael and Davies, Geoffrey F. (1986) The effect of depth-dependent viscosity on convective mixing in the mantle and the possible survival of primitive mantle. Geophysical Research Letters, 13 (6). pp. 541-544. ISSN 0094-8276. doi:10.1029/GL013i006p00541. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20130423-082839412

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Abstract

The effect depth-dependent viscosity has on convective mixing and sampling (or degassing) of primitive mantle beneath ridges is explored in two-dimensional models. Higher relative viscosities in the deep mantle decrease convection velocities and strain rates and prolong the residence time of material in the deep mantle. If the average viscosity of the lower mantle is at least 100 times the viscosity of the upper mantle, then some mantle material could have survived from very early in the earth's history. If, in addition, the depth of degassing under ridges has been less than 75 km, on average over earth history, then helium isotopic systematics are qualitatively consistent with whole mantle convection.


Item Type:Article
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/GL013i006p00541DOIUNSPECIFIED
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/GL013i006p00541/abstractPublisherUNSPECIFIED
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Gurnis, Michael0000-0003-1704-597X
Additional Information:© 1986 American Geophysical Union. Manuscript Accepted: 24 Mar 1986. Manuscript Received: 12 Mar 1986. We thank Mark Richards for comments on this paper.
Group:Seismological Laboratory
Issue or Number:6
DOI:10.1029/GL013i006p00541
Record Number:CaltechAUTHORS:20130423-082839412
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20130423-082839412
Official Citation:The effect of depth-dependent viscosity on convective mixing in the mantle and the possible survival of primitive mantle (pages 541–544) Michael Gurnis and Geoffrey F. Davies DOI: 10.1029/GL013i006p00541
Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:38073
Collection:CaltechAUTHORS
Deposited By: Ruth Sustaita
Deposited On:23 Apr 2013 18:01
Last Modified:09 Nov 2021 23:33

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