Physiology of solid Earth driving

mechanism for plate tectonics

Plate Tectonics is the surface
expression of the mechanism by which
heat escapes the Earths interior
Origin of heat in the Earths interior
1. radioactive decay
2. residual heat from Earths formation, mostly in
mantle, higher % in crust and to a lesser extent, heat
contribution from the growth of the inner core which
drives the convection in the outer core
The Core
The P- and S-waves both refract and
reflect as they cross discontinuities.



This results in shadow zones.
These shadow zones reveal the
presence of concentric layers
within the Earth, recognized by
changes in seismic wave
velocities at discontinuities.

P-wave discontinuities indicate a
decrease in P-wave velocity at the
core-mantle boundary at about 2900
km.

S-wave blocked from passing thru
liquids, thus indicating that the
outer core is liquid.
Fig. 8.24, p. 215
The Core
Density and Composition of the Core

The density and composition
of the concentric layers have
been determined by the
behavior of P-waves and S-
waves.
Compositionally, the inner
core is thought to be iron
and nickel, the outer core
iron with 10 to 20% other,
lighter substances, and
The mantle probably
peridotite.


Fig. 8.23, p. 215
Earths Mantle
The boundary between the crust and mantle is
known as the Mohorovii Discontinuity.

It was discovered when it was noticed that seismic
stations received two sets of P- and S-waves. This
meant that the set below the discontinuity traveled
deeper but more quickly than the shallower waves.

Fig. 8.25, p. 216
Earth's Mantle
The Mantles Structure, Density and Composition -
Several discontinuities exist within the mantle.



The velocity of P- and S-waves
decrease markedly from 100 to 250km
depth, which corresponds to the upper
asthenosphere.
The asthenosphere is an important
zone in the mantle because this is
where magma is generated.
Decreased elasticity accounts for
decreased seismic wave velocity in the
low-velocity asthenosphere. This
decreased elasticity allows the
asthenosphere to flow plastically.
Fig. 8.26, p. 217
Earth's Mantle Structure,
Density and Composition



Peridotite is thought to represent the main
composition in the mantle.
Experiments indicate that peridotite has the
physical properties and density to account for
seismic wave velocity in the mantle.
Peridotite makes up the lower parts of
sequences that represent oceanic crust and
upper mantle.
Peridotite is also found as inclusions in that
came from depths of 100 to 300 km.
http://geology.com/rocks/peridotite.shtml
Earth's Internal Heat
Geothermal gradient measures the increase in temperature with
depth in the earth. Most of Earth's internal heat is generated by
radioactive isotope decay in the mantle.

The upper-most crust has a high geothermal gradient of
25 C/km.
This must be much less in the mantle and core, probably about
1 C/km.
The center of the inner core has a temperature estimated at
6,500 C.
Earth's Crust
Continental crust is mostly granitic
and low in density

It has an average density of 2.7
gm/cm
3
and a velocity of about 6.75
km/sec
It averages about 35 kilometers thick,
being much thicker beneath the
shields and mountain ranges of the
continents.