Finite-Frequency Tomography Reveals a Variety of Plumes in the Mantle
National Taiwan University · University of Colorado Boulder · +2 more institutions
Abstract
We present tomographic evidence for the existence of deep-mantle thermal convection plumes. P-wave velocity images show at least six well-resolved plumes that extend into the lowermost mantle: Ascension, Azores, Canary, Easter, Samoa, and Tahiti. Other less well-resolved plumes, including Hawaii, may also reach the lowermost mantle. We also see several plumes that are mostly confined to the upper mantle, suggesting that convection may be partially separated into two depth regimes. All of the observed plumes have diameters of several hundred kilometers, indicating that plumes convey a substantial fraction of the internal heat escaping from Earth.
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 60.14
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 58
Authors
6- RMR. MontelliCorresponding
National Taiwan University, University of Colorado Boulder, Princeton University, University of California San Diego
- GNGuust Nolet
National Taiwan University, University of Colorado Boulder, Princeton University, University of California San Diego
- FAF. A. Dahlen
National Taiwan University, University of Colorado Boulder, Princeton University, University of California San Diego
- GMG. Masters
National Taiwan University, University of Colorado Boulder, Princeton University, University of California San Diego
- ERE. R. Engdahl
National Taiwan University, University of Colorado Boulder, Princeton University, University of California San Diego
Topics & keywords
- Geology
- Mantle (geology)
- Convection
- Mantle plume
- Mantle convection
- Geophysics
- Hotspot (geology)
- Plume
- Life below water