Thermochemical evolution of Mercury's interior

Abstract

A number of observations performed by the MESSENGER spacecraft can now be employed to better understand the evolution of Mercury's interior. Using recent constraints on interior structure, surface composition, volcanic and tectonic histories, we modeled the thermal and magmatic evolution of the planet. We ran a large set of Monte Carlo simulations based on one-dimensional parametrized models, spanning a wide range of parameters. We complemented these simulations with selected calculations in 2-D cylindrical and 3-D spherical geometry, which confirmed the validity of the parametrized approach and allowed us to gain additional insight into the spatiotemporal evolution of mantle convection. Core radii of 1940 km, 2040 km, and 2140 km have been considered, and while in the first two cases several models satisfy the observational constraints, no admissible models were found for a radius of 2140 km. A typical thermal evolution scenario consists of an initial phase of mantle heating accompanied by planetary expansion and the production of a substantial amount of partial melt. The evolution subsequent to 2 Gyr is characterized by secular cooling that proceeds approximately at a constant rate and implies that planetary contraction should be ongoing today. Most of the models predict mantle convection to cease after 3-4 Gyr, indicating that Mercury may be no longer dynamically active. Finally, assuming the observed surface abundance of radiogenic elements to be representative for the entire crust, we determined bulk silicate concentrations of 35-62 ppb Th, 20-36 ppb U, and 290-515 ppm K, similar to those of other terrestrial planets. Key Points Models predict initial heating phase followed by cooling and contraction Stiff rheology, thin crust and present-day conductive mode are preferred 1D parametrized models agree well with 2D and 3D dynamic simulations ©2013. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.