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Thermomechanical modeling of pulsation tectonics and consequences on lithospheric dynamics
Author(s) -
Larsen Tine B.,
Yuen David A.,
Smedsmo Jamie L.,
Malevsky Andrei V.
Publication year - 1996
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 - 10.1029/95gl03661
Subject(s) - lithosphere , geology , breakup , geophysics , tidal heating , volcanism , convection , plume , mantle (geology) , mantle plume , slab , plate tectonics , tectonics , seismology , mechanics , planet , meteorology , physics , astrophysics
Pulsating phenomena can control continental breakup and the formation and closing of oceanic basins. Using a two‐dimensional time‐dependent convection model with a non‐linear, temperature‐ and depth‐dependent rheology, we have obtained self‐consistently such types of pulsating behavior. Very hot mantle plumes ascend to the surface, where they can quickly thin the lithosphere down to a few kilometers. An episode of intense shear heating then ensues, which is comparable to the length of the main episode for flood volcanism, lasting a couple of Myrs. The highest plate velocities occur during this period, when both the lithosphere and slab are profusely lubricated by the impingement of the hot plume.