Modeling the Trace Element Evolution of Earth's Mantle

University Of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA

Investigators

Abstract

Tackley EAR-0207741 In this project the investigators will use a thermochemical numerical convection code to investigate the trace and major element evolution of Earth's mantle. The model self-consistently integrates the processes of convection, plate tectonics, and melting-induced trace-and major-element defferentiation and mixing. The investigators will focus particularly on testing various hypotheses that have been proposed by members both of the geophysical and primordial reservoirs, the necessity or otherwise of having a deep, thick, enriched layer, and several other topics. The focus will be on high-resolution 2D calculations in order to minimize discretization 'noise' when calculating isotope ratios, but complemented by a small number of 3D calculations. The results should be to closely constrain the viability of competing hypotheses for Earth's trace element structure and evolution.