Abstract
Thinning process of the oceanic lithosphere was discussed with a consideration of an evolution of the Hawaiian-Emperor chain. The oceanic lithosphere increases or decreases its thickness under the heat balance between input heat flow from the asthenosphere, output thermal conduction within the lithosphere and release or sink of latent heat at the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. The heat flow from the asthenosphere controls this process. In ordinary condition, the lithosphere thickens with time, on the other hand, excess heat flow from deeper part of the mantle thins the lithosphere. A condition of the excess heat flow may realize under the Hawaii Island as a “Hot-spot”. Thinning and thickening processes of the Pacific plate along the Hawaiian-Emperor chain are examined mathematically. Observed data for ocean bottom topography, surface heat flow and gravity anomaly are successfully explained by this model.
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Schedule a callMore From: Zisin (Journal of the Seismological Society of Japan. 2nd ser.)
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