Inner Core and Its Libration Under Gravitational Equilibrium: Implications to Lower‐Mantle Density Anomaly

According to geochemical and geophysical observations, Earth's lower mantle appears to be strikingly heterogeneous in composition. An accurate interpretation of these findings is critical to constrain Earth's bulk composition and long-term evolution. To this end, two main models have gained traction, each reflecting a different style of chemical heterogeneity preservation: the 'marble cake' and 'plum pudding' mantle. In the former, heterogeneity is preserved in the form of narrow streaks of recycled oceanic lithosphere, stretched and stirred throughout the mantle by convection. In the latter, domains of intrinsically strong, primordial material (enriched in the lower-mantle mineral bridgmanite) may resist convective entrainment and survive as coherent blobs in the mid mantle. Microscopic scale processes certainly affect macroscopic properties of mantle materials and thus reverberate on large-scale mantle dynamics. A cross-disciplinary effort is therefore needed to constrain present-day Earth structure, yet countless variables remain to be explored. Among previous geodynamic studies, for instance, only few have attempted to address how the viscosity and density of recycled and primordial materials affect their mutual mixing and interaction in the mantle.Here, we apply the finite-volume code STAGYY to model thermochemical convection of the mantle in a 2D spherical-annulus geometry. All models are initialized with a lower, primordial layer and an upper, pyrolitic layer (i.e., a mechanical mixture of basalt and harzburgite), as is motivated by magma-ocean solidification studies. We explore the effects of material properties on the style of mantle convection and heterogeneity preservation. These parameters include (i) the intrinsic strength of basalt (viscosity), (ii) the intrinsic density of basalt, and (iii) the intrinsic strength of the primordial material.Our preliminary models predict a range of different mantle mixing styles. A 'marble cake'-like regime is observed for low-viscosity primordial material (~30 times weaker than the ambient mantle), with recycled oceanic lithosphere preserved as streaks and thermochemical piles accumulating near the core-mantle boundary. Conversely, 'plum pudding' primordial blobs are also preserved when the primordial material is relatively strong, in addition to the 'marble cake' heterogeneities mentioned above. Most notably, however, the rheology and the density anomaly of basalt affect the appearance of both recycled and primordial heterogeneities. In particular, they control the stability, size and geometry of thermochemical piles, the enhancement of basaltic streaks in the mantle transition zone, and they influence the style of primordial material preservation. These results indicate the important control that the physical properties of mantle constituents exert on the style of mantle convection and mixing over geologic time. Our numerical models offer fresh insights into these processes and may advance our understanding of the composition and structure of Earth's lower mantle.

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3. Minerals and the interior of the Earth

10.1093/actrade/9780199682843.003.0003 ◽

2014 ◽

Author(s):

David Vaughan

Keyword(s):

Upper Mantle ◽

Lower Mantle ◽

Plate Tectonics ◽

Inner Core ◽

Indirect Evidence ◽

Outer Core ◽

The Earth ◽

Granite Formation ◽

Temperature And Pressure

‘Minerals and the interior of the Earth’ looks at the role of minerals in plate tectonics during the processes of crystallization and melting. The size and range of minerals formed are dependent on the temperature and pressure of the magma during its movement through the crust. The evolution of the continental crust also involves granite formation and processes of metamorphism. Our understanding of the interior of the Earth is based on indirect evidence, mainly the study of earthquake waves. The Earth consists of concentric shells: a solid inner core; liquid outer core; a solid mantle divided into a lower mantle, a transition zone, and an upper mantle; and then the outer rigid lithosphere.

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HIGHER ORDER THERMOELASTIC PROPERTIES OF THE EARTH LOWER MANTLE AND CORE

International Journal of Modern Physics B ◽

10.1142/s0217979210055238 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 24 (09) ◽

pp. 1187-1200 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

S. S. KUSHWAH ◽

N. K. BHARDWAJ

Keyword(s):

Bulk Modulus ◽

Lower Mantle ◽

Inner Core ◽

Outer Core ◽

Higher Order ◽

Grüneisen Parameter ◽

Free Volume Theory ◽

Gruneisen Parameter ◽

The Earth ◽

Derivatives Of

We have used some of the most reliable high pressure equations of state (EOS) to determine the thermoelastic Grüneisen parameter and its higher order volume derivatives for the lower mantle, outer core and inner core of the Earth. The cross derivatives of bulk modulus with respect to pressure and temperature have also been obtained for the deep interior of the Earth using the results based on the modified free volume theory for the Grüneisen parameter. We have used five EOS viz. (a) modified Rydberg EOS, (b) modified Poirier–Tarantola EOS, (c) Hama–Suito EOS, (d) Stacey EOS, and (e) Kushwah EOS to determine pressure derivatives of bulk modulus. The results for thermoelastic parameters obtained in the present study show systematic variations with the increase in pressure.

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Observation and modelling of the seismc high frequency PKPab precursor at distances larger than 155o

10.5194/egusphere-egu21-16259 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Christoph Sens-Schönfelder ◽

Klaus Bataille ◽

Marcelo Bianchi

Keyword(s):

High Frequency ◽

Lower Mantle ◽

Seismic Waves ◽

Inner Core ◽

Velocity Structure ◽

Seismic Energy ◽

Outer Core ◽

Symmetric Model ◽

Bonin Islands ◽

Distance Range

Seismic waves traveling through the outer core have been used for a long time to study heterogeneity at the core mantle boundary (CMB) and in lower mantle. Earth's velocity structure opens a window for waves that are scattered at 3D structures in the lower mantle to arrive at the Earth's surface prior to the waves that would propagate in a 1D spherically symmetric model. These precursors are particularly well observed as they are not hidden in the coda waves of earlier phases. At epicentral distances below 140&#176; PKPab and PKPbc waves scattered close to the CMB can arrive as precursors to PKPdf&#160; that travels through the inner core (IC). These waves have been studied extensively and provided important information about the structure of the mantle close to the CMB. However, theory predicts that PKP waves can also be scattered to distances above 155&#176;. These waves have not been well observed before, partly because they arrive at the surface only after the inner core PKPdf phase that has far larger amplitudes at lower frequencies. Here we report on the observation of an emergent arrival of seismic energy at distances above 155&#176; that is consistent with the onset times of scattered PKPbc energy. The key to observe this scattered phase is the use of signals from large deep earthquakes which are strong high frequency sources. As basis for the observation we used records of the Japanese Hi-Net stations that allowed to observe the scattered waves in the distance range between 135o&#160;and 165o&#160;when combining records of two events in Peru and Argentina. The Brazilian seismic network provided observations of a deep Bonin Islands event in the distance range from 145o&#160;to 175o.&#160;Using frequencies around 6Hz we show (A) energy in this frequency band propagates to epicentral distances beyond 170&#176;, (B) attenuation in the IC completely removes the energy of the PKPdf phase, (C) energy scattered close to the CMB arrives prior to PKPab wave forming a precursor that we call PKPab precursor. This observation extends the frequency range and opens a new time-distance window for investigations of deep Earth heterogeneity.&#160;

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An Electron Microscopic Study of an Avian Reovirus that Causes Arthritis

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100065328 ◽

1971 ◽

Vol 29 ◽

pp. 254-255

Author(s):

E, R. Walker ◽

N. O. Olson ◽

M. H. Friedman

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Viral Genome ◽

Inner Core ◽

Avian Reovirus ◽

Electron Microscopic ◽

Outer Coat ◽

Acid Type ◽

Chicken Eggs ◽

Icosahedral Particle ◽

Mature Virus

An unidentified virus, responsible for an arthritic-like condition in chickens was studied by electron microscopy and other methods of viral investigation. It was characterized in chorio-allantoic membrane (CAM) lesions of embryonating chicken eggs and in tissue culture as to: 1) particle size; 2) structure; 3) mode of replication in the cell; and 4) nucleic acid type.The inoculated virus, coated and uncoated, is first seen in lysosomal-like inclusions near the nucleus; the virions appear to be uncoated in these electron dense inclusions (Figure 1), Although transfer of the viral genome from these inclusions is not observable, replicating virus and mature virus crystals are seen in the cytoplasm subsequent to the uncoating of the virions.The crystals are formed in association with a mass of fibrils 50 to 80 angstroms in diameter and a ribosome-studded structure that appears to be granular endoplasmic reticulum adapted to virus replication (Figure 2). The mature virion (Figure 3) is an icosahedral particle approximately 75 millimicrons in diameter. The inner core is 45 millimicrons, the outer coat 15 millimicrons, and the virion has no envelope.

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Preliminary Studies on Non-Reactive Flow Vortex Cooling

Recent Patents on Mechanical Engineering ◽

10.2174/2212797612666190510115403 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 262-271

Author(s):

T.N. Rajesh ◽

T.J.S. Jothi ◽

T. Jayachandran

Keyword(s):

Combustion Chamber ◽

Inner Core ◽

Rocket Engine ◽

Injection Pressure ◽

Chamber Pressure ◽

Reactive Flow ◽

Stoichiometric Ratio ◽

Gaseous Oxygen ◽

Mixture Ratio ◽

Vortex Combustion

Background: The impulse for the propulsion of a rocket engine is obtained from the combustion of propellant mixture inside the combustion chamber and as the plume exhausts through a convergent- divergent nozzle. At stoichiometric ratio, the temperature inside the combustion chamber can be as high as 3500K. Thus, effective cooling of the thrust chamber becomes an essential criterion while designing a rocket engine. Objective: A new cooling method of thrust chambers was introduced by Chiaverni, which is termed as Vortex Combustion Cold-Wall Chamber (VCCW). The patent works on cyclone separators and confined vortex flow mechanism for providing high propellant mixing with improved degree of turbulence inside the combustion chamber, providing the required notion for studies on VCCW. The flow inside a VCCW has a complex structure characterised by axial pressure losses, swirl velocities, centrifugal force, flow reversal and strong turbulence. In order to study the flow phenomenon, both the experimental and numerical investigations are carried out. Methods: In this study, non-reactive flow analysis was conducted with real propellants like gaseous oxygen and hydrogen. The test was conducted to analyse the influence of mixture ratio and injection pressure of the propellants on the chamber pressure in a vortex combustion chamber. A vortex combustor was designed in which the oxidiser injected tangentially at the aft end near the nozzle spiraled up to the top plate and formed an inner core inside the chamber. The fuel was injected radially from injectors provided near the top plate and the propellants were mixed in the inner core. This resulted in enhanced mixing and increased residence time for the fuel. More information on the flow behaviour has been obtained by numerical analysis in Fluent. The test also investigated the sensitivity of the tangential injection pressure on the chamber pressure development. Results: All the test cases showed an increase in chamber pressure with the mixture ratio and injection pressure of the propellants. The maximum chamber pressure was found to be 3.8 bar at PC1 and 2.7 bar at PC2 when oxidiser to fuel ratio was 6.87. There was a reduction in chamber pressure of 1.1 bar and 0.7 bar at PC1 and PC2, respectively, in both the cases when hydrogen was injected. A small variation in the pressure of the propellant injected tangentially made a pronounced effect on the chamber pressure and hence vortex combustion chamber was found to be very sensitive to the tangential injection pressure. Conclusion: VCCW mechanism has been to be found to be very effective for keeping the chamber surface within the permissible limit and also reducing the payload of the space vehicle.

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Ups and Downs

10.1093/oso/9780198717867.003.0011 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Roy Livermore

Keyword(s):

Mantle Convection ◽

Laboratory Experiments ◽

Inner Core ◽

Computer Modelling ◽

Great Depth ◽

New Horizons ◽

The Core ◽

The Earth ◽

The World ◽

The 1960S

Despite the dumbing-down of education in recent years, it would be unusual to find a ten-year-old who could not name the major continents on a map of the world. Yet how many adults have the faintest idea of the structures that exist within the Earth? Understandably, knowledge is limited by the fact that the Earth’s interior is less accessible than the surface of Pluto, mapped in 2016 by the NASA New Horizons spacecraft. Indeed, Pluto, 7.5 billion kilometres from Earth, was discovered six years earlier than the similar-sized inner core of our planet. Fortunately, modern seismic techniques enable us to image the mantle right down to the core, while laboratory experiments simulating the pressures and temperatures at great depth, combined with computer modelling of mantle convection, help identify its mineral and chemical composition. The results are providing the most rapid advances in our understanding of how this planet works since the great revolution of the 1960s.

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Feedbacks between a non-Newtonian upper mantle, mantle viscosity structure and mantle dynamics

Geophysical Journal International ◽

10.1093/gji/ggaa495 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 224 (2) ◽

pp. 961-972

Author(s):

A G Semple ◽

A Lenardic

Keyword(s):

Upper Mantle ◽

Lower Mantle ◽

Mantle Convection ◽

Mantle Flow ◽

Mantle Dynamics ◽

Plate Motions ◽

Low Viscosity ◽

Mantle Viscosity ◽

Flow Feature ◽

Mantle Rheology

SUMMARY Previous studies have shown that a low viscosity upper mantle can impact the wavelength of mantle flow and the balance of plate driving to resisting forces. Those studies assumed that mantle viscosity is independent of mantle flow. We explore the potential that mantle flow is not only influenced by viscosity but can also feedback and alter mantle viscosity structure owing to a non-Newtonian upper-mantle rheology. Our results indicate that the average viscosity of the upper mantle, and viscosity variations within it, are affected by the depth to which a non-Newtonian rheology holds. Changes in the wavelength of mantle flow, that occur when upper-mantle viscosity drops below a critical value, alter flow velocities which, in turn, alter mantle viscosity. Those changes also affect flow profiles in the mantle and the degree to which mantle flow drives the motion of a plate analogue above it. Enhanced upper-mantle flow, due to an increasing degree of non-Newtonian behaviour, decreases the ratio of upper- to lower-mantle viscosity. Whole layer mantle convection is maintained but upper- and lower-mantle flow take on different dynamic forms: fast and concentrated upper-mantle flow; slow and diffuse lower-mantle flow. Collectively, mantle viscosity, mantle flow wavelengths, upper- to lower-mantle velocities and the degree to which the mantle can drive plate motions become connected to one another through coupled feedback loops. Under this view of mantle dynamics, depth-variable mantle viscosity is an emergent flow feature that both affects and is affected by the configuration of mantle and plate flow.

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