Thermal convection and the convective regime diagram 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...

Temperature structure functions in the Bolgiano regime of thermal convection.

We measure temperature fluctuations in the Rayleigh-Bénard apparatus, which is a closed cylindrical container with the bottom wall heated and the top wall cooled. The aspect ratio, which is the diameter-to-height ratio of the apparatus, is unity. The Rayleigh number is 1.5 x 10(11). The working fluid is cryogenic helium gas. We compute temperature structure functions up to order 16, and use ext...

Collisional Stripping and Disruption of Super-earths

The final stage of planet formation is dominated by collisions between planetary embryos. The dynamics of this stage determine the orbital configuration and the mass and composition of planets in the system. In the solar system, late giant impacts have been proposed for Mercury, Earth, Mars, and Pluto. In the case of Mercury, this giant impact may have significantly altered the bulk composition...