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Plate Tectonics and Hotspots: The Third Dimension

Anderson, Don L. and Tanimoto, Toshiro and Zhang, Yu-shen (1992) Plate Tectonics and Hotspots: The Third Dimension. Science, 256 (5064). pp. 1645-1651. ISSN 0036-8075. doi:10.1126/science.256.5064.1645. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20140512-131740793

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Abstract

High-resolution seismic tomographic models of the upper mantle provide powerful new constraints on theories of plate tectonics and hotspots. Midocean ridges have extremely low seismic velocities to a depth of 100 kilometers. These low velocities imply partial melting. At greater depths, low-velocity and high-velocity anomalies record, respectively, previous positions of migrating ridges and trenches. Extensional, rifting, and hotspot regions have deep (> 200 kilometers) low-velocity anomalies. The upper mantle is characterized by vast domains of high temperature rather than small regions surrounding hotspots; the asthenosphere is not homogeneous or isothermal. Extensive magmatism requires a combination of hot upper mantle and suitable lithospheric conditions. High-velocity regions of the upper 200 kilometers of the mantle correlate with Archean cratons.


Item Type:Article
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.256.5064.1645 DOIArticle
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/256/5064/1645.abstractPublisherArticle
http://www.jstor.org/stable/2877382OrganizationArticle
Additional Information:© 2014 American Association for the Advancement of Science. We thank P. Molnar and W. Hamilton for useful reviews. This work was supported by the National Science Foundation. Contribution 5080, Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125.
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Caltech Division of Geological and Plantary Sciences5080
Issue or Number:5064
DOI:10.1126/science.256.5064.1645
Record Number:CaltechAUTHORS:20140512-131740793
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20140512-131740793
Official Citation:Anderson, D. L., Tanimoto, T., & Zhang, Y.-s. (1992). Plate Tectonics and Hotspots: The Third Dimension. Science, 256(5064), 1645-1651. doi: 10.1126/science.256.5064.1645
Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:45688
Collection:CaltechAUTHORS
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Deposited On:12 May 2014 23:22
Last Modified:10 Nov 2021 17:15

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