Mantle Convection

Abstract

Chapter 8 begins with a discussion of plate tectonics. Then the study of convection in the Earth’s mantle is introduced by the consideration of Rayleigh–Bénard convection with constant viscosity. Linear and nonlinear stability are discussed, and the formation of planforms, and then the boundary layer theory at high Rayleigh number is given. The model then moves to that of convection with strongly temperature-dependent viscosity, and the boundary layer theory for this is given. The introduction of a viscous yield stress allows the prediction of subduction, and a discussion of tectonics on Venus concludes the chapter.