Articles | Volume 8, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-8-235-2017
© Author(s) 2017. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-8-235-2017
© Author(s) 2017. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Research article
| 
23 Feb 2017
Research article |
| 23 Feb 2017
The deep Earth origin of the Iceland plume and its effects on regional surface uplift and subsidence
Nicholas Barnett-Moore
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Earthbyte Group, School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
Rakib Hassan
Earthbyte Group, School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
Nicolas Flament
Earthbyte Group, School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
now at: School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
Dietmar Müller
Earthbyte Group, School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
Related authors
No articles found.
Robert James Marks, Nicolas Flament, Sangmin Lee, and Guang R. Shi
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1018, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1018, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We use brachiopod fossil data to evaluate the Early Permian position of the South China Block (SCB) in three distinct global tectonic reconstructions. Faunal similarity indexes between the SCB and other tectonic plates indicate that the SCB was located centrally within the Paleo-Tethys Ocean during Early Permian times, rather than on its outskirts. We introduce an openly available framework that can be used to extend such analyses to other times, fossil assemblages, or tectonic reconstructions.
Thomas Frasson, Stéphane Labrosse, Henri-Claude Nataf, Nicolas Coltice, and Nicolas Flament
Solid Earth, 15, 617–637, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-617-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-617-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Heat flux heterogeneities at the bottom of Earth's mantle play an important role in the dynamic of the underlying core. Here, we study how these heterogeneities are affected by the global rotation of the Earth, called true polar wander (TPW), which has to be considered to relate mantle dynamics with core dynamics. We find that TPW can greatly modify the large scales of heat flux heterogeneities, notably at short timescales. We provide representative maps of these heterogeneities.
R. Dietmar Müller, Nicolas Flament, John Cannon, Michael G. Tetley, Simon E. Williams, Xianzhi Cao, Ömer F. Bodur, Sabin Zahirovic, and Andrew Merdith
Solid Earth, 13, 1127–1159, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1127-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1127-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We have built a community model for the evolution of the Earth's plate–mantle system. Created with open-source software and an open-access plate model, it covers the last billion years, including the formation, breakup, and dispersal of two supercontinents, as well as the creation and destruction of numerous ocean basins. The model allows us to
seeinto the Earth in 4D and helps us unravel the connections between surface tectonics and the
beating heartof the Earth, its convecting mantle.
Eline Le Breton, Sascha Brune, Kamil Ustaszewski, Sabin Zahirovic, Maria Seton, and R. Dietmar Müller
Solid Earth, 12, 885–913, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-885-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-885-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The former Piemont–Liguria Ocean, which separated Europe from Africa–Adria in the Jurassic, opened as an arm of the central Atlantic. Using plate reconstructions and geodynamic modeling, we show that the ocean reached only 250 km width between Europe and Adria. Moreover, at least 65 % of the lithosphere subducted into the mantle and/or incorporated into the Alps during convergence in Cretaceous and Cenozoic times comprised highly thinned continental crust, while only 35 % was truly oceanic.
Rohitash Chandra, Danial Azam, Arpit Kapoor, and R. Dietmar Müller
Geosci. Model Dev., 13, 2959–2979, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-13-2959-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-13-2959-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Forward landscape and sedimentary basin evolution models pose a major challenge in the development of efficient inference and optimization methods. Bayesian inference provides a methodology for estimation and uncertainty quantification of free model parameters. In this paper, we present an application of a surrogate-assisted Bayesian parallel tempering method where that surrogate mimics a landscape evolution model. We use the method for parameter estimation and uncertainty quantification.
Xuesong Ding, Tristan Salles, Nicolas Flament, and Patrice Rey
Geosci. Model Dev., 12, 2571–2585, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-12-2571-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-12-2571-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
This work introduced a quantitative stratigraphic framework within a source-to-sink numerical code, pyBadlands, and evaluated two stratigraphic interpretation techniques. This quantitative framework allowed us to quickly construct the strata formations and automatically produce strata interpretations. We further showed that the accommodation succession method, compared with the trajectory analysis method, provided more reliable interpretations as it is independent of time-dependent processes.
Hugo K. H. Olierook, Richard Scalzo, David Kohn, Rohitash Chandra, Ehsan Farahbakhsh, Gregory Houseman, Chris Clark, Steven M. Reddy, and R. Dietmar Müller
Solid Earth Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/se-2019-4, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-2019-4, 2019
Revised manuscript not accepted
Sascha Brune, Simon E. Williams, and R. Dietmar Müller
Solid Earth, 9, 1187–1206, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-9-1187-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-9-1187-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Fragmentation of continents often involves obliquely rifting segments that feature a complex three-dimensional structural evolution. Here we show that more than ~ 70 % of Earth’s rifted margins exceeded an obliquity of 20° demonstrating that oblique rifting should be considered the rule, not the exception. This highlights the importance of three-dimensional approaches in modelling, surveying, and interpretation of those rift segments where oblique rifting is the dominant mode of deformation.
Robert McKay, Neville Exon, Dietmar Müller, Karsten Gohl, Michael Gurnis, Amelia Shevenell, Stuart Henrys, Fumio Inagaki, Dhananjai Pandey, Jessica Whiteside, Tina van de Flierdt, Tim Naish, Verena Heuer, Yuki Morono, Millard Coffin, Marguerite Godard, Laura Wallace, Shuichi Kodaira, Peter Bijl, Julien Collot, Gerald Dickens, Brandon Dugan, Ann G. Dunlea, Ron Hackney, Minoru Ikehara, Martin Jutzeler, Lisa McNeill, Sushant Naik, Taryn Noble, Bradley Opdyke, Ingo Pecher, Lowell Stott, Gabriele Uenzelmann-Neben, Yatheesh Vadakkeykath, and Ulrich G. Wortmann
Sci. Dril., 24, 61–70, https://doi.org/10.5194/sd-24-61-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/sd-24-61-2018, 2018
Jodie Pall, Sabin Zahirovic, Sebastiano Doss, Rakib Hassan, Kara J. Matthews, John Cannon, Michael Gurnis, Louis Moresi, Adrian Lenardic, and R. Dietmar Müller
Clim. Past, 14, 857–870, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-14-857-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-14-857-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Subduction zones intersecting buried carbonate platforms liberate significant atmospheric CO2 and have the potential to influence global climate. We model the spatio-temporal distribution of carbonate platform accumulation within a plate tectonic framework and use wavelet analysis to analyse linked behaviour between atmospheric CO2 and carbonate-intersecting subduction zone (CISZ) lengths since the Devonian. We find that increasing CISZ lengths likely contributed to a warmer Palaeogene climate.
Wenchao Cao, Sabin Zahirovic, Nicolas Flament, Simon Williams, Jan Golonka, and R. Dietmar Müller
Biogeosciences, 14, 5425–5439, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-5425-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-5425-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
We present a workflow to link paleogeographic maps to alternative plate tectonic models, alleviating the problem that published global paleogeographic maps are generally presented as static maps and tied to a particular plate model. We further develop an approach to improve paleogeography using paleobiology. The resulting paleogeographies are consistent with proxies of eustatic sea level change since ~400 Myr ago. We make the digital global paleogeographic maps available as an open resource.
Michael Rubey, Sascha Brune, Christian Heine, D. Rhodri Davies, Simon E. Williams, and R. Dietmar Müller
Solid Earth, 8, 899–919, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-8-899-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-8-899-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Earth's surface is constantly warped up and down by the convecting mantle. Here we derive geodynamic rules for this so-called
dynamic topographyby employing high-resolution numerical models of global mantle convection. We define four types of dynamic topography history that are primarily controlled by the ever-changing pattern of Earth's subduction zones. Our models provide a predictive quantitative framework linking mantle convection with plate tectonics and sedimentary basin evolution.
N. Herold, J. Buzan, M. Seton, A. Goldner, J. A. M. Green, R. D. Müller, P. Markwick, and M. Huber
Geosci. Model Dev., 7, 2077–2090, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-7-2077-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-7-2077-2014, 2014
J. Cannon, E. Lau, and R. D. Müller
Solid Earth, 5, 741–755, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-5-741-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-5-741-2014, 2014
S. Zahirovic, M. Seton, and R. D. Müller
Solid Earth, 5, 227–273, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-5-227-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-5-227-2014, 2014
M. Hosseinpour, R. D. Müller, S. E. Williams, and J. M. Whittaker
Solid Earth, 4, 461–479, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-4-461-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-4-461-2013, 2013
C. Heine, J. Zoethout, and R. D. Müller
Solid Earth, 4, 215–253, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-4-215-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-4-215-2013, 2013
N. Wright, S. Zahirovic, R. D. Müller, and M. Seton
Biogeosciences, 10, 1529–1541, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-1529-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-1529-2013, 2013
R. D. Müller and T. C. W. Landgrebe
Solid Earth, 3, 447–465, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-3-447-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-3-447-2012, 2012
Related subject area
Geodynamics
On the choice of finite element for applications in geodynamics – Part 2: A comparison of simplex and hypercube elements
On the global geodynamic consequences of different phase boundary morphologies
The geological structures of the Pyrenees and their peripheral basins examined through EMAG2v2 magnetic data
The influence of accretionary orogenesis on subsequent rift dynamics
Increased metamorphic conditions in the lower crust during oceanic transform fault evolution
ECOMAN: an open-source package for geodynamic and seismological modelling of mechanical anisotropy
How a volcanic arc influences back-arc extension: insight from 2D numerical models
Quantifying mantle mixing through configurational entropy
Various lithospheric deformation patterns derived from rheological contrasts between continental terranes: insights from 2-D numerical simulations
Magmatic underplating associated with Proterozoic basin formation: insights from gravity study over the southern margin of the Bundelkhand Craton, India
On the impact of true polar wander on heat flux patterns at the core–mantle boundary
The influence of viscous slab rheology on numerical models of subduction
Statistical appraisal of geothermal heat flow observations in the Arctic
Fast uplift in the southern Patagonian Andes due to long- and short-term deglaciation and the asthenospheric window underneath
Modeling liquid transport in the Earth's mantle as two-phase flow: effect of an enforced positive porosity on liquid flow and mass conservation
Thrusts control the thermal maturity of accreted sediments
The crustal structure of the Longmenshan fault zone and its implications for seismogenesis: new insight from aeromagnetic and gravity data
Earth's core variability from magnetic and gravity field observations
The role of continental lithospheric thermal structure in the evolution of orogenic systems: application to the Himalayan–Tibetan collision zone
Glacial-isostatic-adjustment strain rate–stress paradox in the Western Alps and impact on active faults and seismicity
The effect of temperature-dependent material properties on simple thermal models of subduction zones
Plume–ridge interactions: ridgeward versus plate-drag plume flow
Transport mechanisms of hydrothermal convection in faulted tight sandstones
A corrected finite-difference scheme for the flexure equation with abrupt changes in coefficient
Influence of heterogeneous thermal conductivity on the long-term evolution of the lower-mantle thermochemical structure: implications for primordial reservoirs
The role of edge-driven convection in the generation ofvolcanism – Part 2: Interaction with mantle plumes, applied to the Canary Islands
The effect of low-viscosity sediments on the dynamics and accretionary style of subduction margins
Thermal non-equilibrium of porous flow in a resting matrix applicable to melt migration: a parametric study
101 geodynamic modelling: how to design, interpret, and communicate numerical studies of the solid Earth
Crustal structure of the Volgo–Uralian subcraton revealed by inverse and forward gravity modelling
On the choice of finite element for applications in geodynamics
A new finite element approach to model microscale strain localization within olivine aggregates
Interpolation of magnetic anomalies over an oceanic ridge region using an equivalent source technique and crust age model constraint
Coupled dynamics and evolution of primordial and recycled heterogeneity in Earth's lower mantle
Buoyancy versus shear forces in building orogenic wedges
Comparing global seismic tomography models using varimax principal component analysis
Magma ascent mechanisms in the transition regime from solitary porosity waves to diapirism
Analytical solution for residual stress and strain preserved in anisotropic inclusion entrapped in an isotropic host
Gravity effect of Alpine slab segments based on geophysical and petrological modelling
The role of edge-driven convection in the generation of volcanism – Part 1: A 2D systematic study
Gravity modeling of the Alpine lithosphere affected by magmatism based on seismic tomography
Timescales of chemical equilibrium between the convecting solid mantle and over- and underlying magma oceans
The preserved plume of the Caribbean Large Igneous Plateau revealed by 3D data-integrative models
Impact of upper mantle convection on lithosphere hyperextension and subsequent horizontally forced subduction initiation
Pragmatic solvers for 3D Stokes and elasticity problems with heterogeneous coefficients: evaluating modern incomplete LDLT preconditioners
Combined numerical and experimental study of microstructure and permeability in porous granular media
Mapping undercover: integrated geoscientific interpretation and 3D modelling of a Proterozoic basin
Monitoring crustal CO2 flow: methods and their applications to the mofettes in West Bohemia
On the self-regulating effect of grain size evolution in mantle convection models: application to thermochemical piles
Deciphering the metamorphic evolution of the Pulo do Lobo metasedimentary domain (SW Iberian Variscides)
Cedric Thieulot and Wolfgang Bangerth
Solid Earth, 16, 457–476, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-457-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-457-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
One of the main numerical methods in geodynamics is the finite element method. Many types of elements have been used in the past decades in hundreds of publications. They usually fall under two categories: quadrilaterals and triangles. For the first time we compare results obtained with the most-used elements of each type on a series of geodynamical benchmarks and draw conclusions as to which are the best ones and which are to be preferably avoided.
Gwynfor T. Morgan, J. Huw Davies, Robert Myhill, and James Panton
Solid Earth, 16, 297–314, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-297-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-297-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Phase transitions can influence mantle convection, inhibiting or promoting vertical flow. We are motivated by two examples: the post-spinel reaction proceeding via akimotoite at cool temperatures and a curving post-garnet boundary. Some have suggested these could change mantle dynamics. We find this is unlikely for both reactions: the first due to the uniqueness of thermodynamic state and the second due to the low magnitude of the boundary’s slope in pressure–temperature space and density change.
África Gamisel-Muzás, Ruth Soto, Conxi Ayala, Tania Mochales, Félix M. Rubio, Pilar Clariana, Carmen Rey-Moral, and Juliana Martín-León
Solid Earth, 16, 251–274, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-251-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-251-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
In this work we compare magnetic maps obtained from the EMAG2v2 (Earth Magnetic Anomaly Grid 2 arcmin resolution) magnetic-intensity data with the main geological structures and units of the Pyrenees and adjacent areas. The magnetic-response arrangement for the different domains mimics the main structural lineaments and highlights the occurrence of major magnetic anomalies linked to specific geological bodies.
Zoltán Erdős, Susanne J. H. Buiter, and Joya L. Tetreault
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1065, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1065, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We used computer models to study how mountains formed by the collision of tectonic plates can later affect the breakup of these same plates. Our results show that in large, warm mountain belts, new faults form due to the orogen being overall weak, while in smaller, colder belts, breakup follows old fault zones. Microcontinents that were accreted during collision can create new continental fragments during extension. These findings help explain how past geological events shape continent margins.
Peter Haas, Myron F. H. Thomas, Christian Heine, Jörg Ebbing, Andrey Seregin, and Jimmy van Itterbeeck
Solid Earth, 15, 1419–1443, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1419-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1419-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Transform faults are conservative plate boundaries where no material is added or destroyed. Oceanic fracture zones are their inactive remnants and record tectonic processes that formed oceanic crust. In this study, we combine high-resolution data sets along fracture zones in the Gulf of Guinea to demonstrate that their formation is characterized by increased metamorphic conditions. This is in line with previous studies that describe the non-conservative character of transform faults.
Manuele Faccenda, Brandon P. VanderBeek, Albert de Montserrat, Jianfeng Yang, Francesco Rappisi, and Neil Ribe
Solid Earth, 15, 1241–1264, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1241-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1241-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The Earth's internal dynamics and structure can be well understood by combining seismological and geodynamic modelling with mineral physics, an approach that has been poorly adopted in the past. To this end we have developed ECOMAN, an open-source software package that is intended to overcome the computationally intensive nature of this multidisciplinary methodology and the lack of a dedicated and comprehensive computational framework.
Duo Zhang and J. Huw Davies
Solid Earth, 15, 1113–1132, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1113-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1113-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We numerically model the influence of an arc on back-arc extension. The arc is simulated by placing a hot region on the overriding plate. We investigate how plate ages and properties of the hot region affect back-arc extension and present regime diagrams illustrating the nature of back-arc extension for these models. We find that back-arc extension occurs not only in the hot region but also, surprisingly, away from it, and a hot region facilitates extension on the overriding plate.
Erik van der Wiel, Cedric Thieulot, and Douwe J. J. van Hinsbergen
Solid Earth, 15, 861–875, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-861-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-861-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Geodynamic models of mantle convection provide a powerful tool to study the structure and composition of the Earth's mantle. Comparing such models with other datasets is difficult. We explore the use of
configurational entropy, which allows us to quantify mixing in models. The entropy may be used to analyse the mixed state of the mantle as a whole and may also be useful to validate numerical models against anomalies in the mantle that are obtained from seismology and geochemistry.
Renxian Xie, Lin Chen, Jason P. Morgan, and Yongshun John Chen
Solid Earth, 15, 789–806, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-789-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-789-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Continental terranes have various rheological strengths due to the differences in their ages, compositions, and structures. We applied four assumed rheological models to three terranes in a collisional model and obtained four styles of lithosphere deformation patterns of collision, subduction, thickening/delamination, and replacement. These simulation patterns are seen in observed lithosphere deformation patterns and structures in East Asia.
Ananya Parthapradip Mukherjee and Animesh Mandal
Solid Earth, 15, 711–729, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-711-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-711-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Global gravity data are used to develop 2D models and a Moho depth map from 3D inversion, depicting the crustal structure below the region covered by Proterozoic sedimentary basins, south of the Bundelkhand Craton in central India. The observed thick mafic underplated layer above the Moho indicates Proterozoic plume activity. Thus, the study offers insights into the crustal configuration of this region, illustrating the geodynamic processes that led to the formation of the basins.
Thomas Frasson, Stéphane Labrosse, Henri-Claude Nataf, Nicolas Coltice, and Nicolas Flament
Solid Earth, 15, 617–637, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-617-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-617-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Heat flux heterogeneities at the bottom of Earth's mantle play an important role in the dynamic of the underlying core. Here, we study how these heterogeneities are affected by the global rotation of the Earth, called true polar wander (TPW), which has to be considered to relate mantle dynamics with core dynamics. We find that TPW can greatly modify the large scales of heat flux heterogeneities, notably at short timescales. We provide representative maps of these heterogeneities.
Natalie Hummel, Susanne Buiter, and Zoltán Erdős
Solid Earth, 15, 567–587, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-567-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-567-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Simulations of subducting tectonic plates often use material properties extrapolated from the behavior of small rock samples in a laboratory to conditions found in the Earth. We explore several typical approaches to simulating these extrapolated material properties and show that they produce very rigid subducting plates with unrealistic dynamics. Our findings imply that subducting plates deform by additional mechanisms that are less commonly implemented in simulations.
Judith Freienstein, Wolfgang Szwillus, Agnes Wansing, and Jörg Ebbing
Solid Earth, 15, 513–533, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-513-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-513-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Geothermal heat flow influences ice sheet dynamics, making its investigation important for ice-covered regions. Here we evaluate the sparse measurements for their agreement with regional solid Earth models, as well as with a statistical approach. This shows that some points should be excluded from regional studies. In particular, the NGRIP point, which strongly influences heat flow maps and the distribution of high basal melts, should be statistically considered an outlier.
Veleda A. P. Muller, Pietro Sternai, and Christian Sue
Solid Earth, 15, 387–404, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-387-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-387-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Uplift rates up to 40 mm yr−1 are measured by GNSS in the southern Patagonian Icefield, a remainder of the Patagonian Ice Sheet that covered the Andes in the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) at 26 ka. Using numerical modelling, we estimate an increase of 150 to 200 °C of the asthenospheric temperature due to the slab window under southern Patagonia, and we show that post-glacial rebound, after the long-term LGM and the short-term Little Ice Age (400 a), contributed to the modern uplift rate budget.
Changyeol Lee, Nestor G. Cerpa, Dongwoo Han, and Ikuko Wada
Solid Earth, 15, 23–38, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-23-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-23-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Fluids and melts in the mantle are key to the Earth’s evolution. The main driving force for their transport is the compaction of the porous mantle. Numerically, the compaction equations can yield unphysical negative liquid fractions (porosity), and it is necessary to enforce positive porosity. However, the effect of such a treatment on liquid flow and mass conservation has not been quantified. We found that although mass conservation is affected, the liquid pathways are well resolved.
Utsav Mannu, David Fernández-Blanco, Ayumu Miyakawa, Taras Gerya, and Masataka Kinoshita
Solid Earth, 15, 1–21, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Accretion during subduction, in which one tectonic plate moves under another, forms a wedge where sediments can be transformed into hydrocarbons. We utilised realistic computer models to investigate this and, in particular, how accretion affects mobility in the wedge and found that the evolution of the wedge and the thrusts it develops fundamentally control the thermal maturity of sediments. This can help us better understand the history of subduction and the formation of hydrocarbons in wedges.
Hai Yang, Shengqing Xiong, Qiankun Liu, Fang Li, Zhiye Jia, Xue Yang, Haofei Yan, and Zhaoliang Li
Solid Earth, 14, 1289–1308, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1289-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1289-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The Wenchuan (Ms 8.0) and Lushan (Ms 7.0) earthquakes show different geodynamic features and form a 40–60 km area void of aftershocks for both earthquakes. The inverse models suggest that the downward-subducted basement of the Sichuan Basin is irregular in shape and heterogeneous in magnetism and density. The different focal mechanisms of the two earthquakes and the genesis of the seismic gap may be closely related to the differential thrusting mechanism caused by basement heterogeneity.
Anita Thea Saraswati, Olivier de Viron, and Mioara Mandea
Solid Earth, 14, 1267–1287, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1267-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1267-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
To understand core dynamics, insight from several possible observables is needed. By applying several separation methods, we show spatiotemporal variabilities in the magnetic and gravity fields related to the core dynamics. A 7-year oscillation is found in all conducted analyses. The results in the magnetic field reflect the core processes and the variabilities in the gravity field exhibit new findings that might be an interesting input to build an enhanced model of the Earth’s core.
Mengxue Liu, Dinghui Yang, and Rui Qi
Solid Earth, 14, 1155–1168, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1155-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1155-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The continuous subduction mainly occurs with a relatively cold overriding lithosphere (Tmoho ≤ 450 °C), while slab break-off dominates when the model has a relatively hot procontinental Moho temparature (Tmoho ≥ 500 °C). Hr is more prone to facilitating the deformation of the lithospheric upper part than altering the collision mode. The lithospheric thermal structure may have played a significant role in the development of Himalayan–Tibetan orogenic lateral heterogeneity.
Juliette Grosset, Stéphane Mazzotti, and Philippe Vernant
Solid Earth, 14, 1067–1081, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1067-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-1067-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
In glaciated regions, induced lithosphere deformation is proposed as a key process contributing to fault activity and seismicity. We study the impact of this effect on fault activity in the Western Alps. We show that the response to the last glaciation explains a major part of the geodetic strain rates but does not drive or promote the observed seismicity. Thus, seismic hazard studies in the Western Alps require detailed modeling of the glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) transient impact.
Iris van Zelst, Cedric Thieulot, and Timothy J. Craig
Solid Earth, 14, 683–707, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-683-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-683-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
A common simplification in subduction zone models is the use of constant thermal parameters, while experiments have shown that they vary with temperature. We test various formulations of temperature-dependent thermal parameters and show that they change the thermal structure of the subducting slab. We recommend that modelling studies of the thermal structure of subduction zones take the temperature dependence of thermal parameters into account, especially when providing insights into seismicity.
Fengping Pang, Jie Liao, Maxim D. Ballmer, and Lun Li
Solid Earth, 14, 353–368, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-353-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-353-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Plume–ridge interaction is an intriguing geological process in plate tectonics. In this paper, we address the respective role of ridgeward vs. plate-drag plume flow in 2D thermomechanical models and compare the results with a compilation of observations on Earth. From a geophysical and geochemical analysis of Earth plumes and in combination with the model results, we propose that the absence of plumes interacting with ridges in the Pacific is largely caused by the presence of plate drag.
Guoqiang Yan, Benjamin Busch, Robert Egert, Morteza Esmaeilpour, Kai Stricker, and Thomas Kohl
Solid Earth, 14, 293–310, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-293-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-293-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The physical processes leading to the kilometre-scale thermal anomaly in faulted tight sandstones are numerically investigated. The fluid-flow pathways, heat-transfer types and interactions among different convective and advective flow modes are systematically identified. The methodologies and results can be applied to interpret hydrothermal convection-related geological phenomena and to draw implications for future petroleum and geothermal exploration and exploitation in analogous settings.
David Hindle and Olivier Besson
Solid Earth, 14, 197–212, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-197-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-197-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
By making a change to the way we solve the flexure equation that describes how the Earth's outer layer bends when it is subjected to loading by ice sheets or mountains, we develop new ways of using an old method from geodynamics. This lets us study the Earth's outer layer by measuring a parameter called the elastic thickness, effectively how stiff and springy the outer layer is when it gets loaded and also how the Earth's outer layer gets broken around its edges and in its interior.
Joshua Martin Guerrero, Frédéric Deschamps, Yang Li, Wen-Pin Hsieh, and Paul James Tackley
Solid Earth, 14, 119–135, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-119-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-119-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The mantle thermal conductivity's dependencies on temperature, pressure, and composition are often suppressed in numerical models. We examine the effect of these dependencies on the long-term evolution of lower-mantle thermochemical structure. We propose that depth-dependent conductivities derived from mantle minerals, along with moderate temperature and compositional correction, emulate the Earth's mean lowermost-mantle conductivity values and produce a stable two-pile configuration.
Antonio Manjón-Cabeza Córdoba and Maxim D. Ballmer
Solid Earth, 13, 1585–1605, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1585-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1585-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The origin of many volcanic archipelagos on the Earth remains uncertain. By using 3D modelling of mantle flow and melting, we investigate the interaction between the convective mantle near the continental–oceanic transition and rising hot plumes. We believe that this phenomenon is the origin behind some archipelagos, in particular the Canary Islands. Analysing our results, we reconcile observations that were previously enigmatic, such as the complex patterns of volcanism in the Canaries.
Adina E. Pusok, Dave R. Stegman, and Madeleine Kerr
Solid Earth, 13, 1455–1473, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1455-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1455-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Sediments play an important role in global volatile and tectonic cycles, yet their effect on subduction dynamics is poorly resolved. In this study, we investigate how sediment properties influence subduction dynamics and obtain accretionary or erosive-style margins. Results show that even a thin layer of sediments can exert a profound influence on the emergent regional-scale subduction dynamics.
Laure Chevalier and Harro Schmeling
Solid Earth, 13, 1045–1063, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1045-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1045-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Fluid flow through rock occurs in many geological settings on different scales, at different temperature conditions and with different flow velocities. Fluid is either in local thermal equilibrium with the host rock or not. We explore the parameters of porous flow and give scaling laws. These allow us to decide whether porous flows are in thermal equilibrium or not. Applied to magmatic systems, moving melts in channels or dikes moderately to strongly deviate from thermal equilibrium.
Iris van Zelst, Fabio Crameri, Adina E. Pusok, Anne Glerum, Juliane Dannberg, and Cedric Thieulot
Solid Earth, 13, 583–637, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-583-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-583-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Geodynamic modelling provides a powerful tool to investigate processes in the Earth’s crust, mantle, and core that are not directly observable. In this review, we present a comprehensive yet concise overview of the modelling process with an emphasis on best practices. We also highlight synergies with related fields, such as seismology and geology. Hence, this review is the perfect starting point for anyone wishing to (re)gain a solid understanding of geodynamic modelling as a whole.
Igor Ognev, Jörg Ebbing, and Peter Haas
Solid Earth, 13, 431–448, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-431-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-431-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We present a new 3D crustal model of Volgo–Uralia, an eastern segment of the East European craton. We built this model by processing the satellite gravity data and using prior crustal thickness estimation from regional seismic studies to constrain the results. The modelling revealed a high-density body on the top of the mantle and otherwise reflected the main known features of the Volgo–Uralian crustal architecture. We plan to use the obtained model for further geothermal analysis of the region.
Cedric Thieulot and Wolfgang Bangerth
Solid Earth, 13, 229–249, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-229-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-229-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
One of the main numerical methods to solve the mass, momentum, and energy conservation equations in geodynamics is the finite-element method. Four main types of elements have been used in the past decades in hundreds of publications. For the first time we compare results obtained with these four elements on a series of geodynamical benchmarks and applications and draw conclusions as to which are the best ones and which are to be preferably avoided.
Jean Furstoss, Carole Petit, Clément Ganino, Marc Bernacki, and Daniel Pino-Muñoz
Solid Earth, 12, 2369–2385, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2369-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2369-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
In the first part of this article, we present a new methodology that we have developed to model the deformation and the microstructural evolutions of olivine rocks, which make up the main part of the Earth upper mantle. In a second part, using this methodology we show that microstructural features such as small grain sizes and preferential grain orientations can localize strain at the same intensity and can act together to produce an even stronger strain localization.
Duan Li, Jinsong Du, Chao Chen, Qing Liang, and Shida Sun
Solid Earth Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/se-2021-117, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-2021-117, 2021
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
Oceanic magnetic anomalies are generally carried out using only few survey lines and thus there are many areas with data gaps. Traditional interpolation methods based on the morphological characteristics of data are not suitable for data with large gaps. The use of dual-layer equivalent-source techniques may improve the interpolation of magnetic anomaly fields in areas with sparse data which gives a good consideration to the extension of the magnetic lineation feature.
Anna Johanna Pia Gülcher, Maxim Dionys Ballmer, and Paul James Tackley
Solid Earth, 12, 2087–2107, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2087-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2087-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The lower mantle extends from 660–2890 km depth, making up > 50 % of the Earth’s volume. Its composition and structure, however, remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigate several hypotheses with computer simulations of mantle convection that include different materials: recycled, dense rocks and ancient, strong rocks. We propose a new integrated style of mantle convection including
piles,
blobs, and
streaksthat agrees with various observations of the deep Earth.
Lorenzo G. Candioti, Thibault Duretz, Evangelos Moulas, and Stefan M. Schmalholz
Solid Earth, 12, 1749–1775, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1749-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1749-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We quantify the relative importance of forces driving the dynamics of mountain building using two-dimensional computer simulations of long-term coupled lithosphere–upper-mantle deformation. Buoyancy forces can be as high as shear forces induced by far-field plate motion and should be considered when studying the formation of mountain ranges. The strength of rocks flooring the oceans and the density structure of the crust control deep rock cycling and the topographic elevation of orogens.
Olivier de Viron, Michel Van Camp, Alexia Grabkowiak, and Ana M. G. Ferreira
Solid Earth, 12, 1601–1634, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1601-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1601-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
As the travel time of seismic waves depends on the Earth's interior properties, seismic tomography uses it to infer the distribution of velocity anomalies, similarly to what is done in medical tomography. We propose analysing the outputs of those models using varimax principal component analysis, which results in a compressed objective representation of the model, helping analysis and comparison.
Janik Dohmen and Harro Schmeling
Solid Earth, 12, 1549–1561, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1549-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1549-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
In partially molten regions within the Earth, the melt is able to move separately from the surrounding rocks. This allows for the emergence of so-called solitary porosity waves, driven by compaction and decompaction due to the melt with higher buoyancy. Our numerical models can predict whether a partially molten region will ascend dominated by solitary waves or diapirism. Even in diapiris-dominated regions, solitary waves will build up and ascend as a swarm when the ascend time is long enough.
Xin Zhong, Marcin Dabrowski, and Bjørn Jamtveit
Solid Earth, 12, 817–833, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-817-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-817-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Elastic thermobarometry is an useful tool to recover paleo-pressure and temperature. Here, we provide an analytical model based on the Eshelby solution to calculate the residual stress and strain preserved in a mineral inclusion exhumed from depth. The method applies to ellipsoidal, anisotropic inclusions in infinite isotropic hosts. A finite-element method is also used for a facet effect. Volumetrically averaged stress is shown to be a good proxy for the overall heterogeneous stress stage.
Maximilian Lowe, Jörg Ebbing, Amr El-Sharkawy, and Thomas Meier
Solid Earth, 12, 691–711, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-691-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-691-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This study estimates the gravitational contribution from subcrustal density heterogeneities interpreted as subducting lithosphere beneath the Alps to the gravity field. We showed that those heterogeneities contribute up to 40 mGal of gravitational signal. Such density variations are often not accounted for in Alpine lithospheric models. We demonstrate that future studies should account for subcrustal density variations to provide a meaningful representation of the complex geodynamic Alpine area.
Antonio Manjón-Cabeza Córdoba and Maxim D. Ballmer
Solid Earth, 12, 613–632, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-613-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-613-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The study of intraplate volcanism can inform us about underlying mantle dynamic processes and thermal and/or compositional anomalies. Here, we investigated numerical models of mantle flow and melting of edge-driven convection (EDC), a potential origin for intraplate volcanism. Our most important conclusion is that EDC can only produce moderate amounts of mantle melting. By itself, EDC is insufficient to support the formation of voluminous island-building volcanism over several millions of years.
Davide Tadiello and Carla Braitenberg
Solid Earth, 12, 539–561, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-539-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-539-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We present an innovative approach to estimate a lithosphere density distribution model based on seismic tomography and gravity data. In the studied area, the model shows that magmatic events have increased density in the middle to lower crust, which explains the observed positive gravity anomaly. We interpret the densification through crustal intrusion and magmatic underplating. The proposed method has been tested in the Alps but can be applied to other geological contexts.
Daniela Paz Bolrão, Maxim D. Ballmer, Adrien Morison, Antoine B. Rozel, Patrick Sanan, Stéphane Labrosse, and Paul J. Tackley
Solid Earth, 12, 421–437, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-421-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-421-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We use numerical models to investigate the thermo-chemical evolution of a solid mantle during a magma ocean stage. When applied to the Earth, our study shows that the solid mantle and a magma ocean tend toward chemical equilibration before crystallisation of this magma ocean. Our findings suggest that a very strong chemical stratification of the solid mantle is unlikely to occur (as predicted by previous studies), which may explain why the Earth’s mantle is rather homogeneous in composition.
Ángela María Gómez-García, Eline Le Breton, Magdalena Scheck-Wenderoth, Gaspar Monsalve, and Denis Anikiev
Solid Earth, 12, 275–298, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-275-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-275-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The Earth’s crust beneath the Caribbean Sea formed at about 90 Ma due to large magmatic activity of a mantle plume, which brought molten material up from the deep Earth. By integrating diverse geophysical datasets, we image for the first time two fossil magmatic conduits beneath the Caribbean. The location of these conduits at 90 Ma does not correspond with the present-day Galápagos plume. Either this mantle plume migrated in time or these conduits were formed above another unknown plume.
Lorenzo G. Candioti, Stefan M. Schmalholz, and Thibault Duretz
Solid Earth, 11, 2327–2357, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-2327-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-2327-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
With computer simulations, we study the interplay between thermo-mechanical processes in the lithosphere and the underlying upper mantle during a long-term (> 100 Myr) tectonic cycle of extension–cooling–convergence. The intensity of mantle convection is important for (i) subduction initiation, (ii) the development of single- or double-slab subduction zones, and (iii) the forces necessary to initiate subduction. Our models are applicable to the opening and closure of the western Alpine Tethys.
Patrick Sanan, Dave A. May, Matthias Bollhöfer, and Olaf Schenk
Solid Earth, 11, 2031–2045, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-2031-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-2031-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Mantle and lithospheric dynamics, elasticity, subsurface flow, and other fields involve solving indefinite linear systems. Tools include direct solvers (robust, easy to use, expensive) and advanced iterative solvers (complex, problem-sensitive). We show that a third option, ILDL preconditioners, requires less memory than direct solvers but is easy to use, as applied to 3D problems with parameter jumps. With included software, we hope to allow researchers to solve previously infeasible problems.
Philipp Eichheimer, Marcel Thielmann, Wakana Fujita, Gregor J. Golabek, Michihiko Nakamura, Satoshi Okumura, Takayuki Nakatani, and Maximilian O. Kottwitz
Solid Earth, 11, 1079–1095, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-1079-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-1079-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
To describe permeability, a key parameter controlling fluid flows in the Earth’s subsurface, an accurate determination of permeability on the pore scale is necessary. For this reason, we sinter artificial glass bead samples with various
porosities, determining the microstructure and permeability using both
experimental and numerical approaches. Based on this we provide
parameterizations of permeability, which can be used as input parameters for
large-scale numerical models.
Mark D. Lindsay, Sandra Occhipinti, Crystal Laflamme, Alan Aitken, and Lara Ramos
Solid Earth, 11, 1053–1077, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-1053-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-1053-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Integrated interpretation of multiple datasets is a key skill required for better understanding the composition and configuration of the Earth's crust. Geophysical and 3D geological modelling are used here to aid the interpretation process in investigating anomalous and cryptic geophysical signatures which suggest a more complex structure and history of a Palaeoproterozoic basin in Western Australia.
Tomáš Fischer, Josef Vlček, and Martin Lanzendörfer
Solid Earth, 11, 983–998, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-983-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-983-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Data on CO2 degassing help understanding the relations of the gas flow on geodynamic processes. Long-term gas flow measurements in rough field conditions present a challenge due to technical problems. We describe methods used for CO2 flow monitoring in West-Bohemia/Vogtland, which is typical for high CO2 flow, and present a new robust method based on pressure measurements in a water column. The results of 10 years of CO2 flow measurements and their relation to seismic activity are discussed.
Jana Schierjott, Antoine Rozel, and Paul Tackley
Solid Earth, 11, 959–982, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-959-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-959-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
We investigate the size of mineral grains of Earth's rocks in computer models of the whole Earth. This is relevant because grain size affects the stiffness (large grains are stiffer) and deformation of the Earth's mantle. We see that mineral grains grow inside stable non-deforming regions of the Earth. However, these regions are less stiff than expected. On the other hand, we find that grain size diminishes during deformation events such as when surface material comes down into the Earth.
Irene Pérez-Cáceres, David Jesús Martínez Poyatos, Olivier Vidal, Olivier Beyssac, Fernando Nieto, José Fernando Simancas, Antonio Azor, and Franck Bourdelle
Solid Earth, 11, 469–488, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-469-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-469-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
The metamorphism of the Pulo do Lobo unit (SW Iberian Massif) is described in this paper. To this end, three different and complementary methodologies have been applied. The new results reported here contribute to the knowledge of the metamorphic conditions of the Pulo do Lobo unit in relation to its deformation. Furthermore, the results are compared in order to assess the reliability of the different methods applied.
Cited articles
Anell, I., Thybo, H., and Artemieva, I.: Cenozoic uplift and subsidence in the North Atlantic region: geological evidence revisited, Tectonophysics, 474, 78–105, 2009.
Artemieva, I. M.: Global 1 × 1 thermal model TC1 for the continental lithosphere: implications for lithosphere secular evolution, Tectonophysics, 416, 245–277, 2006.
Barnett-Moore, N., Müller, R. D., Williams, S., Skogseid, J., and Seton, M.: A reconstruction of the North Atlantic since the earliest Jurassic, Basin Res., 1–26, https://doi.org/10.1111/bre.12214, 2016.
Bertram, G. and Milton, N.: Reconstructing basin evolution from sedimentary thickness; the importance of palaeobathymetric control, with reference to the North Sea, Basin Res., 1, 247–257, 1988.
Bower, D. J., Gurnis, M., and Seton, M.: Lower mantle structure from paleogeographically constrained dynamic Earth models, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 14, 44–63, 2013.
Bower, D. J., Gurnis, M., and Flament, N.: Assimilating lithosphere and slab history in 4-D Earth models, Phys. Earth Planet. In., 238, 8–22, 2015.
Boyden, J. A., Müller, R. D., Gurnis, M., Torsvik, T. H., Clark, J. A., Turner, M., Ivey-Law, H., Watson, R. J., and Cannon, J. S.: Next-generation plate-tectonic reconstructions using GPlates, Geoinformatics, cyberinfrastructure for the solid earth sciences, 95–114, 2011.
Brekke, H.: The tectonic evolution of the Norwegian Sea continental margin, with emphasis on the Voring and More basins, Special Publication-Geol. Soc. London, 167, 327–378, 2000.
Burke, K., Steinberger, B., Torsvik, T. H., and Smethurst, M. A.: Plume generation zones at the margins of large low shear velocity provinces on the core-mantle boundary, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 265, 49–60, 2008.
Chalmers, J., Larsen, L., and Pedersen, A.: Widespread Palaeocene volcanism around the northern North Atlantic and Labrador Sea: evidence for a large, hot, early plume head, J. Geol. Soc. London, 152, 965–969, 1995.
Champion, M., White, N., Jones, S., and Lovell, J.: Quantifying transient mantle convective uplift: An example from the Faroe-Shetland basin, Tectonics, 27, 1–18, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007TC002106, 2008.
Christensen, U. R. and Yuen, D. A.: Layered convection induced by phase transitions, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 90, 10291–10300, 1985.
Clift, P.: Plume tectonics as a cause of mass wasting on the southeast Greenland continental margin, Mar. Petrol. Geol., 13, 771–780, 1996.
Clift, P. D. and Turner, J.: Dynamic support by the Icelandic plume and vertical tectonics of the northeast Atlantic continental margins, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 100, 24473–24486, 1995.
Clift, P. D. and Turner, J.: Paleogene igneous underplating and subsidence anomalies in the Rockall-Faeroe-Shetland area, Mar. Petrol. Geol., 15, 223–243, 1998.
Clift, P., Carter, A., and Hurford, A.: The erosional and uplift history of NE Atlantic passive margins: constraints on a passing plume, J. Geol. Soc., 155, 787–800, 1998.
Conrad, C. P. and Gurnis, M.: Seismic tomography, surface uplift, and the breakup of gondwanaland: Integrating mantle convection backwards in time, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 4, 1031, https://doi.org/10.1029/2001GC000299, 2003.
Crosby, A. and McKenzie, D.: An analysis of young ocean depth, gravity and global residual topography, Geophys. J. Int., 178, 1198–1219, 2009.
Dam, G., Larsen, M., and Sønderholm, M.: Sedimentary response to mantle plumes: implications from Paleocene onshore successions, West and East Greenland, Geology, 26, 207–210, 1998.
Delorey, A. A., Dunn, R. A., and Gaherty, J. B.: Surface wave tomography of the upper mantle beneath the Reykjanes Ridge with implications for ridge-hot spot interaction, J. Geophys. Res., 112, B08313, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006JB004785, 2007.
Doubrovine, P. V., Steinberger, B., and Torsvik, T. H.: Absolute plate motions in a reference frame defined by moving hot spots in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 117, B09101, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JB009072, 2012.
Doubrovine, P. V., Steinberger, B., and Torsvik, T. H.: A failure to reject: Testing the correlation between large igneous provinces and deep mantle structures with EDF statistics, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 17, 1130–1163, 2016.
Erratt, D., Thomas, G., and Wall, G.: The evolution of the central North Sea Rift, in: Proceedings Geological Society, London, Petroleum Geology Conference series, Geological Society of London, 5, 63–82, 1999.
Fahnestock, M., Abdalati, W., Joughin, I., Brozena, J., and Gogineni, P.: High geothermal heat flow, basal melt, and the origin of rapid ice flow in central Greenland, Science, 294, 2338–2342, 2001.
Flament, N., Gurnis, M., and Müller, R. D.: A review of observations and models of dynamic topography, Lithosphere, 5, 189–210, 2013.
Flament, N., Gurnis, M., Williams, S. E., Seton, M., Skogseid, J., Heine, C., and Müller, R. D.: Topographic asymmetry of the South Atlantic from global models of mantle flow and lithospheric stretching, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 387, 107–119, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2013.11.017, 2014.
Fletcher, R., Kusznir, N., Roberts, A., and Hunsdale, R.: The formation of a failed continental breakup basin: The Cenozoic development of the Faroe-Shetland Basin, Basin Res., 25, 532–553, 2013.
French, S. W. and Romanowicz, B.: Broad plumes rooted at the base of the Earth's mantle beneath major hotspots, Nature, 525, 95–99, 2015.
Green, P. F.: Early Tertiary paleo-thermal effects in Northern England: reconciling results from apatite fission track analysis with geological evidence, Tectonophysics, 349, 131–144, 2002.
Hartley, R. A., Roberts, G. G., White, N., and Richardson, C.: Transient convective uplift of an ancient buried landscape, Nat. Geosci., 4, 562–565, 2012.
Hassan, R., Flament, N., Gurnis, M., Bower, D. J., and Müller, D.: Provenance of plumes in global convection models, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 16, 1465–1489, 2015.
Hassan, R., Müller, R. D., Gurnis, M., Williams, S. E., and Flament, N.: A rapid burst in hotspot motion through the interaction of tectonics and deep mantle flow, Nature, 533, 239–242, 2016.
He, Y., Wen, L., Capdeville, Y., and Zhao, L.: Seismic evidence for an Iceland thermo-chemical plume in the Earth's lowermost mantle, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 417, 19–27, 2015.
Hosseinpour, M., Müller, R. D., Williams, S. E., and Whittaker, J. M.: Full-fit reconstruction of the Labrador Sea and Baffin Bay, Solid Earth, 4, 461–479, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-4-461-2013, 2013.
Huuse, M.: Cenozoic uplift and denudation of southern Norway: insights from the North Sea Basin, Geol. Soc. Spec. Publ., 196, 209–233, 2002.
Ismail-Zadeh, A., Korotkii, A., Schubert, G., and Tsepelev, I.: Numerical techniques for solving the inverse retrospective problem of thermal evolution of the Earth interior, Comput. Struct., 87, 802–811, 2009.
Jakovlev, A., Bushenkova, N., Koulakov, I. Y., and Dobretsov, N.: Structure of the upper mantle in the Circum-Arctic region from regional seismic tomography, Russ. Geol. Geophys., 53, 963–971, 2012.
Japsen, P., Green, P. F., and Chalmers, J. A.: Separation of Palaeogene and Neogene uplift on Nuussuaq, West Greenland, J. Geol. Soc. London, 162, 299–314, 2005.
Jarvis, G. T. and McKenzie, D. P.: Sedimentary basin formation with finite extension rates, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 48, 42–52, 1980.
Jones, S. M., White, N., and Lovell, B.: Cenozoic and Cretaceous transient uplift in the Porcupine Basin and its relationship to a mantle plume, Geol. Soc. Spec. Publ., 188, 345–360, 2001.
Joy, A. M.: Right place, wrong time: anomalous post-rift subsidence in sedimentary basins around the North Atlantic Ocean, Geol. Soc. Spec. Publ., 68, 387–393, 1992.
Kaban, M. K., Petrunin, A. G., Schmeling, H., and Shahraki, M.: Effect of decoupling of lithospheric plates on the observed geoid, Surv. Geophys., 35, 1361–1373, 2014.
Karato, S. and Wu, P.: Rheology of the upper mantle – A synthesis, Science, 260, 771–778, 1993.
Lekic, V., Cottar, S., Dziewonski, A., and Romanowicz, B.: Cluster analysis of global lower mantle tomography: A new class of structure and implications for chemical heterogeneity, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 357, 68–77, 2012.
Lewis, C. L., Green, P. F., Carter, A., and Hurford, A. J.: Elevated K/T palaeotemperatures throughout Nortwest England: three kilometres of Tertiary erosion?, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 112, 131–145, 1992.
McNamara, A. K. and Zhong, S.: Thermochemical structures within a spherical mantle: Superplumes or piles?, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 109, B07402, https://doi.org/10.1029/2003JB002847, 2004.
Milton, N., Bertram, G., and Vann, I.: Early Palaeogene tectonics and sedimentation in the Central North Sea, Geol. Soc. Spec. Publ., 55, 339–351, 1990.
Moucha, R. and Forte, A. M.: Changes in african topography driven by mantle convection, Nat. Geosci., 4, 707–712, 2011.
Morgan, W. J.: Convection plumes in the lower mantle, Nature, 230, 42–43, https://doi.org/10.1038/230042a0, 1971.
Mudge, D. C. and Jones, S. M.: Palaeocene uplift and subsidence events in the Scotland–Shetland and North Sea region and their relationship to the Iceland Plume, J. Geol. Soc. London, 161, 381–386, 2004.
Müller, R. D., Royer, J.-Y., and Lawver, L. A.: Revised plate motions relative to the hotspots from combined Atlantic and Indian Ocean hotspot tracks, Geology, 21, 275–278, 1993.
Nadin, P., Kusznir, N., and Toth, J.: Transient regional uplift in the Early Tertiary of the northern North Sea and the development of the Iceland Plume, J. Geol. Soc., 152, 953–958, 1995.
Nadin, P., Kusznir, N., and Cheadle, M.: Early Tertiary plume uplift of the North Sea and Faeroe-Shetland basins, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 148, 109–127, 1997.
Nielsen, S., Paulsen, G., Hansen, D., Gemmer, L., Clausen, O., Jacobsen, B., Balling, N., Huuse, M., and Gallagher, K.: Paleocene initiation of Cenozoic uplift in Norway, Geol. Soc. Spec. Publ., 196, 45–65, 2002.
Nielsen, S. B., Stephenson, R., and Thomsen, E.: Dynamics of Mid-Palaeocene North Atlantic rifting linked with European intra-plate deformations, Nature, 450, 1071–1074, 2007.
Noble, R., Macintyre, R., and Brown, P.: Age constraints on Atlantic evolution: timing of magmatic activity along the E Greenland continental margin, Geol. Soc. Spec. Publ., 39, 201–214, 1988,
Oakey, G. N. and Chalmers, J. A.: A new model for the Paleogene motion of Greenland relative to North America: plate reconstructions of the Davis Strait and Nares Strait regions between Canada and Greenland, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 117, B10401, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JB008942, 2012.
O'Neill, C., Müller, D., and Steinberger, B.: On the uncertainties in hot spot reconstructions and the significance of moving hot spot reference frames, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 6, Q04003, https://doi.org/10.1029/2004GC000784, 2005.
Parnell-Turner, R., White, N., Henstock, T., Murton, B., Maclennan, J., and Jones, S. M.: A continuous 55-million-year record of transient mantle plume activity beneath Iceland, Nat. Geosci., 7, 914–919, 2014.
Peron-Pinvidic, G., Manatschal, G., and Osmundsen, P. T.: Structural comparison of archetypal Atlantic rifted margins: a review of observations and concepts, Mar. Petrol. Geol., 43, 21–47, 2013.
Planke, S., Skogseid, J., and Eldholm, O.: Crustal structure off Norway, 62 to 70 north, Tectonophysics, 189, 91–107, 1991.
Praeg, D., Stoker, M., Shannon, P., Ceramicola, S., Hjelstuen, B., Laberg, J., and Mathiesen, A.: Episodic Cenozoic tectonism and the development of the NW European “passive” continental margin, Mar. Petrol. Geol., 22, 1007–1030, 2005.
Redfield, T.: On apatite fission track dating and the Tertiary evolution of West Greenland topography, J. Geol. Soc. London, 167, 261–271, 2010.
Ren, S., Faleide, J. I., Eldholm, O., Skogseid, J., and Gradstein, F.: Late Cretaceous–Paleocene tectonic development of the NW Vøring basin, Mar. Petrol. Geol., 20, 177–206, 2003.
Rickers, F., Fichtner, A., and Trampert, J.: The Iceland–Jan Mayen plume system and its impact on mantle dynamics in the North Atlantic region: evidence from full-waveform inversion, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 367, 39–51, 2013.
Roberts, A. M., Lundin, E. R., and Kusznir, N. J.: Subsidence of the Vøring Basin and the influence of the Atlantic continental margin, J. Geol. Soc. London, 154, 551–557, 1997.
Roberts, A. M., Corfield, R. I., Kusznir, N. J., Matthews, S. J., Hansen, E.-K., and Hooper, R. J.: Mapping palaeostructure and palaeobathymetry along the Norwegian Atlantic continental margin: Møre and Vøring basins, Petrol. Geosci., 15, 27–43, 2009.
Rogozhina, I., Petrunin, A. G., Vaughan, A. P., Steinberger, B., Johnson, J. V., Kaban, M. K., Calov, R., Rickers, F., Thomas, M., and Koulakov, I.: Melting at the base of the Greenland ice sheet explained by Iceland hotspot history, Nat. Geosci., 9, 366–369, https://doi.org/10.1038/NGEO2689, 2016.
Rost, S. and Earle, P.: Identifying regions of strong scattering at the core–mantle boundary from analysis of PKKP precursor energy, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 297, 616–626, 2010.
Saunders, A. , Fitton, J. G., Kerr, A. C., Norry, M. J., and Kent, R. W.: The North Atlantic Igneous Province, in: Large Igneous Provinces: Continental, Oceanic, and Planetary Flood Volcanism, edited by: Mahoney, J. J. and Coffin, M. F., American Geophysical Union, Washington, D.C., https://doi.org/10.1029/GM100p0045, 1997.
Saunders, A. D., Larsen, H. C., and Fitton, J. G.: Magmatic development of the southeast Greenland margin and evolution of the Iceland Plume: Geochemcial constraints from IODP Leg, Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, Scientific results, 152, 1998.
Skogseid, J., Planke, S., Faleide, J. I., Pedersen, T., Eldholm, O., and Neverdal, F.: NE Atlantic continental rifting and volcanic margin formation, Geol. Soc. Spec. Publ., 167, 295–326, 2000.
Smallwood, J. and White, R.: Ridge-plume interaction in the North Atlantic and its influence on continental breakup and seafloor spreading, Geol. Soc. Spec. Publ., 197, 15–37, 2002.
Smallwood, J. R. and Gill, C. E.: The rise and fall of the Faroe–Shetland Basin: evidence from seismic mapping of the Balder Formation, J. Geol. Soc. London, 159, 627–630, 2002.
Spice, H. E., Fitton, J. G., and Kirstein, L. A.: Temperature fluctuation of the Iceland mantle plume through time, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 17, 243–254, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015GC006059, 2016.
Steinberger, B.: Plumes in a convecting mantle: Models and observations for individual hotspots, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 105, 11127–11152, 2000.
Steinberger, B. and Calderwood A. R.: Models of large-scale viscous flow in the Earth's mantle with constraints from mineral physics and surface observations, Geophys. J. Int., 167, 1461–1481, 2006.
Steinberger, B., Spakman, W., Japsen, P., and Torsvik, T. H.: The key role of gloabel solid-Earth processes in preconditioning Greenland's glaciation since the Pliocene, Terra Nova, 27, 1–8, 2014.
Stoker, M.: Mid-to late Cenozoic sedimentation on the continental margin off NW Britain, J. Geol. Soc. London, 154, 509–515, 1997.
Storey, M., Duncan, R. A., and Tegner, C.: Timing and duration of volcanism in the North Atlantic Igneous Province: Implications for geodynamics and links to the Iceland hotspot, Chem. Geol., 241, 264–281, 2007.
Stuart, F. M., Lass-Evans, S., Fitton, J. G., and Ellam, R. M.: High 3He/4He ratios in picritic basalts from Baffin Island and the role of a mixed reservoir in mantle plumes, Nature, 424, 57–59, 2003.
Tackley, P. J.: Effects of strongly variable viscosity on three dimensional compressible convection in planetary mantles, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 101, 3311–3332, 1996.
Tate, M., White, N., and Conroy, J. J.: Lithospheric extension and magmatism in the Porcupine Basin west of Ireland, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 98, 13905–13923, 1993.
Tegner, C., Brooks, C., Duncan, R., Heister, L., and Bernstein, S.: 40 Ar–39 Ar ages of intrusions in East Greenland: Rift-to-drift transition over the Iceland hotspot, Lithos, 101, 480–500, 2008.
Torsvik, T. H., Mosar, J., and Eide, E. A.: Cretaceous–tertiary geodynamics: a North Atlantic exercise, Geophys. J. Int., 146, 850–866, 2001.
Torsvik, T. H., Amundsen, H. E., Trønnes, R. G., Doubrovine, P. V., Gaina, C., Kusznir, N. J., Steinberger, B., Corfu, F., Ashwal, L. D., and Griffin, W. L.: Continental crust beneath southeast Iceland, P. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 112, E1818–E1827, 2015.
Tosi, N., Yuen, D. A., De Koker, N., and Wentzcovitch, R. M.: Mantle dynamics with pressure-and temperature-dependent thermal expansivity and conductivity, Phys. Earth Planet. In., 217, 48–58, 2013.
Thoraval, C. and Richards, M. A.: The geoid constraint in global geodynamics: viscosity structure, mantle heterogeneity models and boundary conditions, Geophys. J. Int., 131, 1–8, 1997.
Upton, B., Emeleus, C., Rex, D., and Thirlwall, M.: Early tertiary magmatism in NE Greenland, J. Geol. Soc. London, 152, 959–964, 1995.
Wessel, P., Smith, W. H., Scharroo, R., Luis, J., and Wobbe, F.: Generic Mapping Tools: Improved Version Released: Eos, Transactions American Geophysical Union, 94, 409–410, 2013.
White, R. and McKenzie, D.: Magmatism at rift zones: the generation of volcanic continental margins and flood basalts, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 94, 7685–7729, 1989.
White, R., Bown, J., and Smallwood, J.: The temperature of the Iceland plume and origin of outward-propagating V-shaped ridges, J. Geol. Soc. London, 152, 1039–1045, 1995.
Williams, S., Flament, N., Müller, R. D., and Butterworth, N.: Absolute plate motions since 130 Ma constrained by subduction zone kinematics, Earth Planet. Sc. Lett., 418, 66–77, 2015.
Zhong, S., Mcnamara, A., Tan, E., Moresi, L., and Gurnis, M.: A benchmark study on mantle convection in a 3-D spherical shell using CitcomS, Geochem. Geophy. Geosy., 9, Q10017, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008GC002048, 2008.
Short summary
We use 3D mantle flow models to investigate the evolution of the Iceland plume in the North Atlantic. Results show that over the last ~ 100 Myr a remarkably stable pattern of flow in the lowermost mantle beneath the region resulted in the formation of a plume nucleation site. At the surface, a model plume compared to published observables indicates that its large plume head, ~ 2500 km in diameter, arriving beneath eastern Greenland in the Palaeocene, can account for the volcanic record and uplift.
We use 3D mantle flow models to investigate the evolution of the Iceland plume in the North...
