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Lateral heterogeneity and mantle dynamics

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Abstract

Recent work on the nature of the Earth's lateral heterogeneities yields two conclusions with implications for mantle dynamics: seismic velocity differences between continents and oceans extend to depths exceeding 400 km, and strong lateral velocity gradients at depths greater than 800 km characterise the mantle beneath many subduction zones. These results suggest that more than just the crust and upper mantle are involved in whatever form of convection is responsible for plate motions.

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Author notes

  1. Thomas H. Jordan

    Present address: Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, California, 92037

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geological and Geophysical Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540

    Thomas H. Jordan

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  1. Thomas H. Jordan
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Jordan, T. Lateral heterogeneity and mantle dynamics. Nature 257, 745–750 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1038/257745a0

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