Abstract
In this paper we establish an upper mantle convection model which is constrained by regional isostatic gravity anomalies. Comparing the computed convection patterns with the tectonic features of the North China Platform we find that there are two positive anomaly centers connected with upward flows. These anomalies belong to the tectonic units of the Shan-Xi geoanticline and the Lu-Xi geoanticline. The centers of downward flows are connected with the tectonic units of the Liao-Ji geosyncline. It is reasonable to suggest that the upward mantle flows push the lithosphere upward and generate the observed positive isostatic gravity anomaly. The downward mantle flows pull the lithosphere down and generate the negative anomaly. However, the use of simple analysis makes it difficult to explain the complex lithospheric dynamics of this region. In order to understand lithospheric structures and tectonic features we must investigate the mechanical properties of the lithosphere and the relationship between the lithosphere and the mantle. These problems are discussed in the last section of this paper.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Baudry, N., andKroenke, L. (1991),Intermediate Wavelength (400–600 km), South Pacific Geoidal Undulations: Their Relationship of Linear Volcanic Chains, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett.102, 430–443.
Chandrasekhar, U.,Hydrodynamic and Hydromagnetic Stability (Clarendon Press, Oxford 1961) 652.
Ding, G. Y.,Introduction of the Lithospheric Geodynamics of China (Seismological Press 1991) (in Chinese with English Abstract).
Fu, R. S. (1993),Mantle Thermal Dynamic Model, Progress in Geophysics8, 13–26 (in Chinese with English Abstract).
Fu, R. S., Huang, J. H., andLiu, W. Z. (1994),Correlation Equation between Regional Isostatic Gravity Anomalies and Small-scale Mantle Convection, Acta Geophysica Sinica37, 638–646 (in Chinese with English Abstract).
Haxby, W. F., andWeissel, J. K. (1986),Evidence for Small-scale Mantle Convection from SEASAT Altimeter Data, J. Geophys. Res.91, 3507–3520.
Huang, J. H., Chang, X. H., Fu, R. S., andLiu, W. Z. (1995),Small-scale Convection in the Upper Mantle Constrained on the Regional Isostatic Gravity Anomalies, Acta Geophysica Sinica, Supp. II, in press (in Chinese with English Abstract).
Humphreys, E., Clayton, R. W., andHager, B. H. (1984),A Tomography Image of Mantle Structure beneath Southern California, Geophys. Res. Lett.11, 625–627.
Lu, Z. J.,Regional Tectonic Structure of China (USTC Press 1990) (in Chinese).
Ma, X. Y.,Lithospheric Geodynamics ATLAS of China (China Map Press 1990) (in Chinese with English Abstract).
Parsons, B., andMcKenzie, D. P. (1978),Mantle Convection and the Thermal Structure of the Plates, J. Geophys. Res. 83, 4485–4496.
Richter, F. M., andParsons, B. (1975),On the Interaction of Two Scale Convection in the Mantle, J. Geophys. Res.80, 2529–2541.
Richter, F. M., andMcKenzie, D. P. (1978),Simple Plate Models and Mantle Convection, J. Geophys. Res.44, 441–471.
Yamaji, A. (1992),Periodic Hotspots Distribution and Small-scale Convection in the Upper Mantle, Earth and Planet. Sci. Lett.109, 107–116.
Zhang, Z. M.,Tectonic Structure of Oil Deposits in China (Oil Industry Press 1982) (in Chinese).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Fu, RS., Huang, JH. & Wei, Zx. The upper mantle flow beneath the North China Platform. PAGEOPH 146, 649–659 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00874737
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00874737