The relative wavelengths of fast and slow velocity anomalies in the lower mantle: Contrary to the expectations of dynamics?

Physics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

2

Scientific paper

We quantify the spherical harmonic characteristics of shear velocity anomalies as a function of depth for a range of tomographic models of the Earth's mantle. In particular, the amplitude spectra of fast and slow anomalies are analyzed separately. Thus, the higher amplitude harmonic degrees and relative scale lengths of both possible thermal upwellings and downwellings can be determined. Our results are consistent with prior studies in that we find that the amplitude spectra of heterogeneity (fast and slow) in the mid-mantle are essentially flat. However, where heterogeneity is known to be stronger in the deep mantle, slow anomalies are observed to be consistently higher amplitude at harmonic degrees 1-12, while fast anomalies dominate at higher degrees. This result is at odds with many dynamic models in which upwellings tend to be narrow and downwellings tend to be broad. This inconsistency with isochemical dynamic models may be associated with variations in phase, chemistry and/or viscosity in the Earth's lowermost mantle. The technique presented here provides a means for discriminating between these effects when comparing tomographic and dynamic models of the Earth's mantle.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

The relative wavelengths of fast and slow velocity anomalies in the lower mantle: Contrary to the expectations of dynamics? 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 The relative wavelengths of fast and slow velocity anomalies in the lower mantle: Contrary to the expectations of dynamics?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The relative wavelengths of fast and slow velocity anomalies in the lower mantle: Contrary to the expectations of dynamics? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1428241

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.