Regional geotherms and lithospheric thickness

Abstract

Research Article| May 01, 1977 Regional geotherms and lithospheric thickness David S. Chapman; David S. Chapman 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Henry N. Pollack Henry N. Pollack 2Department of Geology and Mineralogy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1977) 5 (5): 265–268. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1977)5<265:RGALT>2.0.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation David S. Chapman, Henry N. Pollack; Regional geotherms and lithospheric thickness. Geology 1977;; 5 (5): 265–268. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1977)5<265:RGALT>2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Continental and oceanic geotherm families parametric in surface heat flow intersect the mantle solidus at a depth coincident with the top of the seismic low-velocity zone, thus allowing surface heat-flow variations to be used to map the thickness of the lithosphere on a global scale. Our thermal models predict a lithospheric thickness of a few tens of kilometres in young oceans and continental orogenic provinces and more than 300 km in shield areas. The variable thermal structure of the mantle implies a greater viscosity beneath shields, which offers an explanation for the observed retarded motions of plates that bear shields. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.