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Three‐dimensional mantle dynamics with an endothermic phase transition
Author(s) -
Honda S.,
Balachandar S.,
Yuen D. A.,
Reuteler D.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/92gl02976
Subject(s) - geology , transition zone , instability , mantle (geology) , geophysics , spinel , convection , rayleigh–taylor instability , phase transition , plume , layering , mantle convection , mechanics , petrology , physics , thermodynamics , subduction , tectonics , seismology , paleontology , botany , biology
Three‐dimensional convection for the spinel to perovskite phase change has been simulated numerically. Results for Rayleigh (Ra) numbers of 0(10 6 ) show intermittent layering with a strong robust plume rising through the phase boundary. Many descending instabilities are deflected but merging cold sheets come together at a junction. A pool of cold material accumulates underneath in the phase‐transition zone. A strong gravitational instability results, which precipitates a rapid and massive discharge of upper‐mantle material.