The statistical correlation between the locations of hot spots at the surface of Earth and the distribution of ultra-low-velocity zones at the base of the mantle has about a 1 percent chance of arising randomly. This correlation is more significant than that between hot spots and negative velocity anomalies in tomographic models of deep mantle compressional and shear velocity. This correlation ...

In the framework of dynamical modelling of the geoid, we have estimated basic features of the radial profile of temperature in the mantle. The applied parameterization of the geotherm directly characterizes thermal boundary layers and values of the thermal gradient in the upper and lower mantle. In the inverse modelling scheme these parameters are related to the observables (geoid and seismic s...

The origin of mantle hotspots is a controversial topic. Only seven (‘primary’) out of 49 hotspots meet criteria aimed at detecting a very deep origin (three in the Pacific, four in the Indo-Atlantic hemisphere). In each hemisphere these move slowly, whereas there has been up to 50 mm/a motion between the two hemispheres prior to 50 Ma ago. This correlates with latitudinal shifts in the Hawaiian...

Introduction: An overarching geologic theory, GEOMARS, coherently explains many otherwise anomalous aspects of the geological history of Mars [1]. Premises for a theory of martian geologic evolution include: (1) Mars is a water-rich terrestrial planet, (2) terrestrial planets should evolve through progressive stages of dynamical history (accretion, differentiation, tectonism) and mantle convect...

In numerical simulations of mantle convection it is commonly assumed that the coefficients of thermal expansion a and thermal conduction k are either constant or pressure-dependent. Pressure changes are generally computed using parametrizations that rely on extrapolations of low-pressure data for a single upper-mantle phase. Here we collect data for both the pressure and temperature dependence ...

Recent seismological studies demonstrate the presence of strong deep-mantle elastic heterogeneity and anisotropy, consistent with a dynamic environment having chemical anomalies, phase changes, and partially molten material. The implications for deep-mantle plume genesis are discussed in the light of the seismological findings. Nearly antipodal large low–shear velocity provinces (LLSVPs) in the...

Recent seismological evidences imply that the boundary between the lithosphere and asthenosphere is a compositional boundary in the oceanic upper mantle, and a rapid increase of viscosity at this boundary is suggested. We modeled a thermal convection in the oceanic mantle numerically using the finite element method, and investigated geodynamical consequences of such a rheological layering. Earl...

[1] Mars Odyssey Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (GRS) neutron spectrometer data are analyzed to determine the concentration and boundary of buried water ice near the south pole. The measurements are consistent with a circumpolar layer of average ice concentration from 35 to 100% by weight and superposed dust with thickness density product 30 to 40 g/cm. The region of buried water ice extends from near ...

In situ observations of the perovskite–CaIrO3 phase transition in MgSiO3 and in pyrolitic compositions were carried out using a laser-heated diamond anvil cell interfaced with a synchrotron radiation source. For pure MgSiO3, the phase boundary between the orthorhombic Mg-perovskite and CaIrO3-type phases in the temperature range of 1300–3100 K was determined to be P (GPa)=130 (F3)+0.0070 (F0.00...

The role of decoupling in the low-velocity zone is crucial for understanding plate tectonics and mantle convection. Mantle convection models fail to integrate plate kinematics and thermodynamics of the mantle. In a first gross estimate, we computed at about 306 km/yr the volume of the plates lost along subduction zones. Mass balance predicts that slabs are compensated by broad passive upwelling...