The Transition-Zone Water Filter Model for Global Material Circulation: Where Do We Stand?
نویسندگان
چکیده
Materials circulation in Earth’s mantle will be modified if partial melting occurs in the transition zone. Melting in the transition zone is plausible if a significant amount of incompatible components is present in Earth’s mantle. We review the experimental data on melting and melt density and conclude that melting is likely under a broad range of conditions, although conditions for dense melt are more limited. Current geochemical models of Earth suggest the presence of relatively dense incompatible components such as K2O and we conclude that a dense melt is likely formed when the fraction of water is small. Models have been developed to understand the structure of a melt layer and the circulation of melt and volatiles. The model suggests a relatively thin melt-rich layer that can be entrained by downwelling current to maintain “steady-state” structure. If deep mantle melting occurs with a small melt fraction, highly incompatible elements including hydrogen, helium and argon are sequestered without much effect on more compatible elements. This provides a natural explanation for many paradoxes including (i) the apparent discrepancy between whole mantle convection suggested from geophysical observations and the presence of long-lived large reservoirs suggested by geochemical observations, (ii) the helium/heat flow paradox and (iii) the argon paradox. Geophysical observations are reviewed including electrical conductivity and anomalies in seismic wave velocities to test the model and some future directions to refine the model are discussed.
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Article history: Accepted 23 November 2010 Available online 13 December 2010 Editor: R.W. Carlson
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