Upper-Mantle Rheology: Bridging Observations, Experiments, and Geodynamic Modeling

Session ID#: 280828

Session Description:
The rheology of Earth’s upper mantle determines its deformation in response to evolving stress at time-scales ranging from seconds (seismic waves) to millions of years (mantle convection). A holistic, multiscale understanding of mantle rheology is therefore necessary to describe geophysical observations probing plate tectonic processes at various length and time-scales. Laboratory experiments on mantle materials have quantified microphysical mechanisms that impact anelastic and viscous deformation. This has enabled insights into the thermo-mechanical state of the mantle from geophysical observations, and geodynamic models that employ more realistic mantle rheologies. We invite contributions that integrate geophysical observations (e.g., seismic velocity, anisotropy, attenuation), laboratory experiments on mantle materials, and/or geodynamic modeling to better constrain upper-mantle rheology. This includes studies that address discrepancies between observations and experimental predictions, explore the role of partial melt, volatiles, and compositional heterogeneity on rheology, or develop new frameworks for translating geophysical/petrological observations into mechanical properties.
Co-Sponsor(s):
  • G - Geodesy
  • MR - Mineral and Rock Physics
  • S - Seismology
  • T - Tectonophysics
Index Terms:

3909 Elasticity and anelasticity [MINERAL PHYSICS]
7208 Mantle [SEISMOLOGY]
8121 Dynamics: convection currents, and mantle plumes [TECTONOPHYSICS]
8162 Rheology: mantle [TECTONOPHYSICS]
Primary Convener:  Joshua B Russell, Syracuse University, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Syracuse, NY, United States
Conveners:  Diede Hein, RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Physical Metallurgy and Materials Physics, Aachen, Germany and Fred Richards, Imperial College London, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, London, United Kingdom
Student/Early Career Convener:  Zhuoran Zhang, Michigan State University, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, East Lansing, MI, United States