Abstract
In order to study the relationship between mantle flow and global tectogenesis, we present a 3-D spherical shell model with incompressible Newtonian fluid medium to simulate mantle flow which fits the global tectogenesis quite well. The governing equations are derived in spherical coordinates. Both the thermal buoyancy force and the self-gravitation are taken into account. The velocity and pressure coupled with temperature are computed, using the finite-element method with a punitive factor. The results show that the lithosphere, as the boundary layer of the earth's thermodynamic system, moves with the entire mantle. Both its horizontal and vertical movements are the results of the earth's thermal motion. The orogenesis occurs not only in the collision zones at the plates' boundaries, but also occurs within the plates. If the core-mantle boundary is impermeable and the viscosity of the lower mantle is considerable, the vertical movement is mostly confined to the upper mantle. The directions of the asthenospheric movements are not fully consistent with those of the lithospheric movements. The depths of spreading movements beneath all ridges are less than 220 km. In some regions, the shear stresses, acting on the base of the lithosphere by the asthenosphere, are the main driving force; but in other regions, the shear stresses are the resisting force.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bercovici, D., Schubert, G., andGlatzmaier, G. A. (1989),Three-dimensional Spherical Models of Convection in the Earth's Mantle, Science242, 950–955.
Bercovici, D., andSchubert, G. (1989),Influences of Heating Mode on Three-dimensional Mantle Convection, Geophys. Res. Lett.16, 617–620.
Demets, C. et al. (1990),Current Plate Motions, Geophys. J. Int.101, 425–478.
Dziewonski, A. M., andAnderson, D. L. (1981),Preliminary Reference Earth Model, Phys. Earth Planet. Int.84, 1031–1048.
Dziewonski, A. M., andAnderson, D. L. (1984),Seismic Tomography of the Earth's Interior, Am. Scientist72, 483–494.
Fu, R. S. (1986),A Numerical Study of the Effects of Boundary Conditions on Mantle Convection Models Coefficients, Phys. Earth Planet. Int.44, 257–283.
Glatzmaier, G. A. (1988),Numerical Simulations of Mantle Convection: Time-dependent, Three-dimensional, Compressible, Spherical Shell, Geophys. Astr. Phys. Fluid Dyn.43, 223–264.
Glatzmaier, G. A., andSchubert, G. (1993),Three-dimensional Spherical Models of Layered and Whole Mantle Convection, J. Geophys. Res.98, 21969–21976.
Hager, B. H., andO'Connell, R. J. (1978),Subduction Zone Dip Angles and Flow in the Earth's Mantle Driven by Plate Motion, Techonophysics50, 111–133.
Hager, B. H., andO'Connell, R. J. (1979),Kinematic Models of Large-scale Flow on the Earth's Mantle, J. G. R.84, 1031–1048.
Minster, J. B., andJordon, T. H. (1978),Present-day Plate Motion, J. Geophys. Res.83, 5331–5354.
Ricard, Y., Froidevaux, C., andFleitout, L. (1988),Global Plate Motion and Geoid: A Physical Model, Geophys. J.93, 477–484.
Seeber, L., andGornitz, V. (1983),River Profiles along the Himalaya arc as Indicators of Active Tectonics, Tectonophysics92, 335–367.
Turcotte, D. L., andSchubert, G. (1982),Geodynamics, Applications of Continuum Physics to Geological Problems, Printed in the United States, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., pp. 192–196, 162 pp.
Uyeda andKanomori (1979),Back Arc Opening and Subduction, J. Geophys. Res.84, 1048–1056.
Vigny, C., Richard, Y., andFroidevaux, C. (1991),The Driving Mechanism of Plate Tectonics, Tectonophysics187, 345–360.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sun, X., Han, L. 3-D spherical shell modeling of mantle flow and its implication for global tectogenesis. PAGEOPH 145, 523–536 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00879587
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00879587