Abstract
Pulsating phenomena can control continental breakup and the formation and closing of oceanic basins. Using a two-dimensional time-dependent convection model with a non-linear, temperature- and depth-dependent rheology, we have obtained self-consistently such types of pulsating behavior. Very hot mantle plumes ascend to the surface, where they can quickly thin the lithosphere down to a few kilometers. An episode of intense shear heating then ensues, which is comparable to the length of the main episode for flood volcanism, lasting a couple of Myrs. The highest plate velocities occur during this period, when both the lithosphere and slab are profusely lubricated by the impingement of the hot plume.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 217-220 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Geophysical Research Letters |
Volume | 23 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 1 1996 |