Variable conductivity: Effects on the thermal structure of subducting slabs

Details Variable conductivity: Effects on the thermal structure of subducting slabs Variable conductivity: Effects on the thermal structure of subducting slabs

Nov 1999

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1999georl..26.3257h&link_type=abstract

Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 26, Issue 21, p. 3257-3260

Physics

Geophysics

16

Mathematical Geophysics: Modeling, Physical Properties Of Rocks: Thermal Properties, Tectonophysics: Dynamics Of Lithosphere And Mantle-General, Tectonophysics: Heat Generation And Transport

Scientific paper

Understanding the thermal structure of the lithosphere in subduction zone environments is a key element in the realization of the source of deep focus earthquakes and other geodynamic processes. Model predictions of the thermal structure of subducting slabs are dependent upon a priori knowledge of how thermal conductivity varies within the slab. Using recent results for the variation of thermal conductivity as a function of temperature, pressure, and gross mineralogy, we investigate how models that utilize a realistic model for variable conductivity compare with canonical models for constant conductivity. Results suggest that jumps in thermal conductivity across the phase boundaries that arise due to transformations to β and γ-spinel phases lead to old, fast, steeply dipping slabs being considerably warmer than previously thought. Although these results do not rule out the possibility of a metastable wedge source of deep focus earthquakes, they do imply the likelihood of metastable olivine being found at depth is less than once thought.

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