Mantle flow mechanisms for the large-scale subsidence of continental interiors

Research Article| August 01, 1998 Mantle flow mechanisms for the large-scale subsidence of continental interiors Russell N. Pysklywec; Russell N. Pysklywec 1Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A7, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Jerry X. Mitrovica Jerry X. Mitrovica 1Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A7, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Russell N. Pysklywec 1Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A7, Canada Jerry X. Mitrovica 1Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A7, Canada Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (1998) 26 (8): 687–690. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1998)026<0687:MFMFTL>2.3.CO;2 Article history First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation Russell N. Pysklywec, Jerry X. Mitrovica; Mantle flow mechanisms for the large-scale subsidence of continental interiors. Geology 1998;; 26 (8): 687–690. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1998)026<0687:MFMFTL>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Evidence in the geological record shows that continental interiors periodically undergo enigmatic episodes of large-scale subsidence. We propose that mantle flow associated with the descent of cold plumes and slabs, and their interaction with the endothermic phase change at 660 km depth, may provide a plausible mechanism for these epeirogenic events. Simulations of mantle convection that incorporate the thermodynamic effects of the phase change and both depth- and temperature-dependent viscosity are used to model the descent of plumes and slabs through the 660 km boundary. We find that the plume-slab flow scenarios are capable of supporting topographic deflections of amplitudes of ∼1 km and horizontal wavelengths of ∼1000 km that persist over time scales of 100–150 m.y. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.