Inevitability of Plate Tectonics on Super-Earths

Details Inevitability of Plate Tectonics on Super-Earths Inevitability of Plate Tectonics on Super-Earths

2007-10-03

arxiv.org/abs/0710.0699v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

13 pages, 2 figures and 1 table; in press in ApJL

Scientific paper

10.1086/524012

The recent discovery of super-Earths (masses less or equal to 10 earth-masses) has initiated a discussion about conditions for habitable worlds. Among these is the mode of convection, which influences a planet's thermal evolution and surface conditions. On Earth, plate tectonics has been proposed as a necessary condition for life. Here we show, that super-Earths will also have plate tectonics. We demonstrate that as planetary mass increases, the shear stress available to overcome resistance to plate motion increases while the plate thickness decreases, thereby enhancing plate weakness. These effects contribute favorably to the subduction of the lithosphere, an essential component of plate tectonics. Moreover, uncertainties in achieving plate tectonics in the one earth-mass regime disappear as mass increases: super-Earths, even if dry, will exhibit plate tectonic behaviour.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Inevitability of Plate Tectonics on Super-Earths 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 Inevitability of Plate Tectonics on Super-Earths, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Inevitability of Plate Tectonics on Super-Earths will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-285374