CSEDI: Causes and Consequences of Mantle Heterogeneity

Regents Of The University Of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor MI

Investigators

Abstract

Lithgow-Bertelloni 0079980 The investigators propose to develop joint, self-consistent dynamical-thermodynamical models of the mantle that incorporate the complex thermodynamic description of multi-component mantle assemblages. Their approach will allow them to assess on an equal footing the three distinct causes of lateral heterogeneity in the earth's mantle: lateral variations in 1) temperature, 2) bulk composition, and 3) phase assemblage. Specifically, they plan to build on a previously developed formulation that includes complete thermodynamic information regarding the dependence of material properties on pressure and temperature in realistic multi-component systems. They can then incorporate the thermodynamic description into instantaneous flow calculations to examine the effects of phase transformations and bulk composition on geoid anomalies, dynamic topography, plate motions and mantle flow.