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Convective thinning of the lithosphere - A mechanism for the initiation of continental riftingA model of lithospheric thinning, in which heat is convected to the base and conducted within the lithosphere, is presented. An analytical equation for determinining the amount of thinning attainable on increasing the heat flux from the asthenosphere is derived, and a formula for lithosphere thickness approximations as a function of time is given. Initial and final equilibrium thicknesses, thermal diffusivity, transition temperature profile, and plume temperature profile are all factors considered for performing rate of thinning determinations. In addition, between initial and final equilibrium states, lithospheric thinning occurs at a rate which is inversely proportional to the square root of the time. Finally, uplift resulting from thermal expansion upon lithospheric thinning is on the order of 10 to the 2nd to 10 to the 3rd m.
Document ID
19830031653
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Spohn, T.
(California Univ. Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Schubert, G.
(California, University Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
June 10, 1982
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 87
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
83A12871
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-05-007-317
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7315
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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