Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Dec 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008agufm.p43c1408z&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2008, abstract #P43C-1408
Mathematics
Logic
5418 Heat Flow, 5475 Tectonics (8149), 5480 Volcanism (6063, 8148, 8450)
Scientific paper
Geological and geophysical observations suggest that Tharsis formation is initiated in the highlands at ~40S in the early Noachian and the volcanic centers subsequently migrate to the dichotomy boundary during the Noachian. This pattern of volcanic activities is similar to what is observed along the Hawaiian volcanic chain on Earth and suggests a relative motion between the lithosphere and the plume center. However, a basic tenet in planetary sciences is that the tectonics and dynamics of one-plate planetary bodies such as Mars are controlled by stagnant-lid convection in which there cannot be large-scale horizontal motion of lithosphere relative to the underlying mantle. Here I demonstrate that a unique mode of horizontal motion of lithosphere, differential rotation of lithosphere, is permissible, and is readily excited in a planetary mantle that has a very long-wavelength convective planform and lithospheric thickness variations. This mechanism provides a dynamically self-consistent explanation for large horizontal migration of Tharsis volcanic centers during the Noachian on Mars and for its final stable location near the boundary of the crustal dichotomy. It also suggests that the formations of Tharsis Rise and the crustal dichotomy, two most important features on Mars, are closely related and that the formation of the crustal dichotomy has had a direct effect on the formation and evolution of Tharsis volcanism. The proposed large-scale horizontal plate motion for one-plate planetary bodies has broad implications for volcanisms, tectonics and thermal evolution for these planetary bodies.
No associations
LandOfFree
Differential Rotation of Lithosphere for One-plate Planets and its Implications for the Tharsis Rise on Mars 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 Differential Rotation of Lithosphere for One-plate Planets and its Implications for the Tharsis Rise on Mars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Differential Rotation of Lithosphere for One-plate Planets and its Implications for the Tharsis Rise on Mars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1238632