I. Multi-scale dynamics of mantle plumes and II. Compressible thermo-chemical convection and the stability of mantle superplumes

Citation

Tan, Eh (2006) I. Multi-scale dynamics of mantle plumes and II. Compressible thermo-chemical convection and the stability of mantle superplumes. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. http://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05142006-210236

Abstract

The dynamic interaction of mantle plumes with subducted slabs and plate-scale flow is studied in Part I. We found that plumes preferentially develop on the edge of slabs and that a substantial amount of hot mantle can be trapped beneath slabs over long periods of time, leading to "mega-plume" formation. We used the solver-coupling technique to study the deflection of plume conduits and compare our result with the parameterized approach. The stability of mantle superplumes in compressible thermo-chemical convection is studied in Part II. The depth-dependent chemical density profile, caused by composition-dependent compressibility, is the preferred mechanism to stabilize the superplum

Thesis Files