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Mantle plume characteristics in three-dimensional depth- and temperature-dependent models

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Abstract

Numerical calculations in three-dimensional Cartesian geometry have been carried out. The aim of the paper is to investigate systematically the effect of Rayleigh number and temperature- and depth-dependent viscosity on the radius and temperature anomaly of mantle plumes and on surface observable characteristics like topography and geoid anomaly. As reference models depth-dependent models were chosen, then the addition of weak and stronger temperature-dependence was studied. The Rayleigh number changed between \(10^5\) and \(10^7\). If viscosity decreases with temperature the convection becomes more vigorous and thermally weaker plumes rise from the bottom boundary layer. The radius and temperature anomaly of the upwelling decreases with increasing temperature-dependence. Topographic uplift significantly decreases with increasing temperature-dependence. For weak depth-dependent models the geoid decreases together with the topography as Rayleigh number increases. However, strongly depth-depend models show negative geod anomaly above the hot plume. In case of temperature- and depth dependent models the geoid have a maximum in the function of Rayleigh number. This maximum appears at different Rayleigh number depending on the actual factors of temperature- and depth-dependence. The amplitudes of topographic uplift in the case of stronger temperature-dependence and high Rayleigh number are not far from the observed values, but the geoid signal is higher by a factor of about 2.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the TAMOP-4.2.2.C–11/1/KONV-2012-0015 (Earth-system) project sponsored by the EU and European Social Foundation. The research was also supported by the Hungarian Scientific Research Fund (OTKA K-72665).

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  1. Kövesligethy Radó Seismological Observatory, MTA CSFK GGI, Meredek u. 18, Budapest, 1112, Hungary

    Bálint Süle

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  1. Bálint Süle
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Süle, B. Mantle plume characteristics in three-dimensional depth- and temperature-dependent models. Acta Geod Geophys 50, 403–417 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40328-015-0110-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40328-015-0110-z

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