Mantle convection in super-Earths

Extremely long transition phase of thermal convection in the mantle of massive super-Earths

Adiabatic compression is a key factor that exerts control over thermal convection in the compressible solid mantle of super-Earths. To discuss the effects of adiabatic compression, we present a numerical model of transient convection in the cooling mantle of a super-Earth that is ten times larger in size than the Earth. The calculations started with the shallow mantle that was hotter than expec...

Convection scaling and subduction on Earth and super-Earths

Melting in super-earths.

We examine the possible extent of melting in rock-iron super-earths, focusing on those in the habitable zone. We consider the energetics of accretion and core formation, the timescale of cooling and its dependence on viscosity and partial melting, thermal regulation via the temperature dependence of viscosity, and the melting curves of rock and iron components at the ultra-high pressures charac...

Stability of the MgSiO3 analog NaMgF3 and its implication for mantle structure in super-Earths

Article is made available in accordance with the publisher's policy and may be subject to US copyright law. Please refer to the publisher's site for terms of use. The MIT Faculty has made this article openly available. Please share how this access benefits you. Your story matters. [1] First‐principles calculations on MgSiO 3 suggested a breakdown into MgO + SiO 2 at pressure above 1000 GPa with...

Geological consequences of super-sized Earths

[1] The discovery of terrestrial-scale extrasolar planets, and their calculated abundance in the galaxy, has prompted speculation on their surface conditions and thermal structure. Both are dependent on the tectonic regime of a planet, which is itself a function of the balance between driving forces, and the resistive strength of the lithosphere. Here we use mantle convection simulations to sho...