Long wavelength thermal convection between non-conducting boundaries

Details Long wavelength thermal convection between non-conducting boundaries Long wavelength thermal convection between non-conducting boundaries

Dec 1980

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1980e%26psl..51..362c&link_type=abstract

Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Volume 51, Issue 2, p. 362-369.

Physics

21

Scientific paper

Non-linear Rayleigh-Bénard convection in a fluid layer is considered as a model of convection in the Earth's upper mantle. Previous studies have shown that when the temperature is held fixed at one of the boundaries of the layer, convection takes place in cells of width of the order of the layer depth or less. We investigate the effects of a different thermal boundary condition, in which the flux of heat is held fixed on both layer boundaries; then if this flux is just greater than that required for the onset of convection, motion takes place on horizontal scales much greater than the layer depth. An analytical treatment of the equations, based on an expansion in the depth-to-width ratio of the cells, shows that cells of a definite horizontal scale are the fastest growing according to linearised theory, but that these cells are unstable to ones of larger wavelength than themselves. Thus the dominant wavelength lengthens with time. The results hold whether the heat flux is generated internally of comes from beneath the layer. These results produce flow patterns similar to those found when the heat flux is much greater than the critical value. The results have important consequences for the understanding of mantle convection.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Long wavelength thermal convection between non-conducting boundaries does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Long wavelength thermal convection between non-conducting boundaries, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Long wavelength thermal convection between non-conducting boundaries will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-754460