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Density Anomalies in the Mantle and the Gravitational Core-Mantle InteractionSeismic studies suggest that the bulk of the mantle is heterogeneous, with density variations in depth as well as in horizontal directions (latitude and longitude). This density variation produces a three- dimensional gravity field throughout the Earth. On the other hand, the core density also varies in both time and space, due to convective core flow. Consequently, the fluid outer core and the solid mantle interact gravitationally due to the mass anomalies in both regions. This gravitational core-mantle interaction could play a significant role in exchange of angular momentum between the core and the mantle, and thus the change in Earth's rotation on time scales of decades and longer. Aiming at estimating the significance of the gravitational core-mantle interaction on Earth's rotation variation, we introduce in our MoSST core dynamics model a heterogeneous mantle, with a density distribution derived from seismic results. In this model, the core convection is driven by the buoyancy forces. And the density variation is determined dynamically with the convection. Numerical simulation is carried out with different parameter values, intending to extrapolate numerical results for geophysical implications.
Document ID
20040040130
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Kuang, Weijia
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Liu, Lanbo
(Connecticut Univ. Storrs, CT, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 2003
Subject Category
Geophysics
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Geophysical Union Meeting
Location: San Francisco, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: December 8, 2003
End Date: December 12, 2003
Sponsors: American Geophysical Union
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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