Oceanic Upper Mantle Dynamics

Brown University, Providence RI

Investigators

Abstract

This project will continue modeling studies of the dynamics of flow in the oceanic upper mantle. The emphasis ofthese studies will be shifted to intraplate, off-axis processes, exploring mechanisms of oceanic matle dynamics that can explain intraplate volcanism and tectonics. Numerical and labratory experiments will be carried out. Initially, three mechanisms will be explored; convective instability, tensile cracks in the lithosphere, and viscous fingering of low-viscosity mantle into higher viscosity mantle during return flow.