Deformation-induced mechanical instabilities at the core-mantle boundary

Nick Petford, Tracy Rushmer, David A. Yuen

Research output: Contribution to Book/ReportChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Our understanding of the core-mantle boundary (CMB) region has improved significantly over the past several years due, in part, to the discovery of the postperovskite phase. Sesimic data suggest that the CMB region is highly heterogeneous, possibly reflecting chemical and physical interaction between outer core material and the lowermost mantle. In this contribution we present the results of a new mechanism of mass transfer across the CMB and comment on possible repercussions that include the initiation of deep, siderophile-enriched mantle plumes. We view the nature of core-mantle interaction, and the geodynamic and geochemical ramifications, as multiscale processes, both spatially and temporally. Three lengthscales are defined. On the microscale (1-50 km), we describe the effect of loading and subsequent shearing of the CMB region and show how this may drive local flow of outer core fluid upwards into D". We propose that larger scale processes operating on a mesoscale (50-300 km) and macroscale regimes (> 300 km) are linked to the microscale, and suggest ways in which these processes may impact on global mantle dynamics.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGeophysical Monograph Series
PublisherBlackwell Publishing Ltd
Pages271-287
Number of pages17
ISBN (Print)9781118666401
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007

Publication series

NameGeophysical Monograph Series
Volume174

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Deformation-induced mechanical instabilities at the core-mantle boundary'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this