Numerical and laboratory studies of mantle convection: Philosophy, accomplishments, and thermochemical structure and evolution

Abstract

© 2005 by the American Geophysical Union. Since the acceptance of the theory of plate tectonics in the late 1960s, numerical and laboratory studies of mantle convection and plate tectonics have emerged as a powerful tool for understanding how the solid parts of Earth and other terrestrial planets work. Here, the general philosophy of such modeling is discussed, including what can and cannot be determined, followed by a review of some of the major accomplishments and findings. Then some recent work by the authors on thermochemical convection is reviewed, with a focus on comparing the results of numerical experiments to observations from geochemistry, seismology, and geomagnetism in order to constrain uncertain physical parameters. Finally, the future of such research is discussed.