Regimes of subduction and lithospheric dynamics in the Precambrian: 3D thermomechanical modelling

Fischer, Ria; Gerya, Taras

doi:10.1016/j.gr.2016.06.002

Cited by 94 publications

(42 citation statements)

References 59 publications

(109 reference statements)

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“…However, this process would not trigger the feedback that induce a high felsic crust production and is different from drip‐vertical tectonics (Bédard, ; Fischer & Gerya, ; Zegers & van Keken, ). Our results predict that RTIs could have driven the generation of continental crust for the whole Archean, providing further support to the suggestion that has been made in previous numerical studies (Fischer & Gerya, ; Sizova et al, ), and that dripping is associated with a rapid decrease of T P . Lourenço et al () observed the same behavior in global scale geodynamical models and emphasized the role radiogenic heating has on the thermal history of rocky planets.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Generation of Earth's Early Continents From a Relatively Cool Archean Mantle

Piccolo

Palin

Kaus

et al. 2019

Geochem Geophys Geosyst

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Several lines of evidence suggest that the Archean (4.0–2.5 Ga) mantle was hotter than today's potential temperature (TP) of 1350 °C. However, the magnitude of such difference is poorly constrained, with TP estimation spanning from 1500 to 1600 °C during the Meso‐Archean (3.2–2.8 Ga). Such differences have major implications for the interpreted mechanisms of continental crust generation on the early Earth, as their efficacy is highly sensitive to the TP. Here we integrate petrological modeling with thermomechanical simulations to understand the dynamics of crust formation during Archean. Our results predict that partial melting of primitive oceanic crust produces felsic melts with geochemical signatures matching those observed in Archean cratons from a mantle TP as low as 1450 °C thanks to lithospheric‐scale RayleighTaylor‐type instabilities. These simulations also infer the occurrence of intraplate deformation events that allow an efficient transport of crustal material into the mantle, hydrating it.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Generation of Earth's Early Continents From a Relatively Cool Archean Mantle

Piccolo

Palin

Kaus

et al. 2019

Geochem Geophys Geosyst

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“…The plume‐lid regime would have been active in the Archean and was dominated by widespread development of lithospheric delamination and eclogitic drips, a weak and highly heterogeneous lithosphere, and small plates. The present work presents new evidence for a new global tectonic regime, with similarities to the plume‐lid regime described by Sizova et al () and Fischer & Gerya (, ). This new regime, which we name plutonic‐squishy lid is active for high mantle temperatures and high intrusion efficiencies, the conditions of the early Earth.…”

Section: Plutonic‐squishy‐lid Regime: Implications Possible Applicatsupporting

confidence: 82%

“…van Hunen and van den Berg () focused on the effects that a hotter mantle would have on subduction and found that an increase of 200–300 K in the mantle potential temperature leads to episodic subduction due to frequent slab break‐off. Further work by Sizova et al () and Fischer & Gerya (, ) identified several geodynamic regimes depending on the mantle potential temperature (

T_{p}

) using 2‐D and 3‐D regional numerical models, respectively. These papers explored how the styles of subduction could have changed throughout the Precambrian until the present day by assigning to the model different

T_{p}

values, corresponding to different times in the evolution of the Earth.…”

Section: Plutonic‐squishy‐lid Regime: Implications Possible Applicatmentioning

confidence: 99%

Plutonic‐Squishy Lid: A New Global Tectonic Regime Generated by Intrusive Magmatism on Earth‐Like Planets

Lourenço

Rozel

Ballmer

et al. 2020

Geochem Geophys Geosyst

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The thermal and chemical evolution of rocky planets is controlled by their surface tectonics and magmatic processes. On Earth, magmatism is dominated by plutonism/intrusion versus volcanism/extrusion. However, the role of plutonism on planetary tectonics and long-term evolution of rocky planets has not been systematically studied. We use numerical simulations to systematically investigate the effect of plutonism combined with eruptive volcanism. At low-to-intermediate intrusion efficiencies, results reproduce the three common tectonic/convective regimes as are usually obtained in simulations using a viscoplastic rheology: stagnant-lid (a one-plate planet), episodic (where the lithosphere is usually stagnant and sometimes overturns into the mantle), and mobile-lid (similar to plate tectonics). At high intrusion efficiencies, we observe a new additional regime called "plutonic-squishy lid." This regime is characterized by a set of small, strong plates separated by warm and weak regions generated by plutonism. Eclogitic drippings and lithospheric delaminations often occur close to these weak regions, which leads to significant surface velocities toward the focus of delamination, even if subduction is not active. The location of the plate boundaries is strongly time dependent and mainly occurs in regions of magma intrusion, leading to small, ephemeral plates. The plutonic-squishy-lid regime is also distinctive from other regimes because it generates a thin lithosphere, which results in high conductive heat fluxes and lower internal mantle temperatures when compared to a stagnant lid. This regime has the potential to be applicable to the Early Archean Earth and present-day Venus, as it combines elements of both protoplate tectonic and vertical tectonic models. Plain Language SummaryThe evolution of Earth-like planets is controlled by the dynamics of their rigid outer part, called the lithosphere, and magmatic processes. Studies of terrestrial magmatic processes show that most melt is intruded into the crust. However, the effect of intrusive magmatism on the long-term evolution of rocky planets has not been systematically studied. Here we use numerical models to simulate global mantle convection in a rocky planet. When eruptions dominate, our results reproduce the three tectonic regimes found in previous studies: mobile lid, similar to plate tectonics operating on modern-day Earth; stagnant lid or a planet covered by a single plate; and episodic lid where the planet is covered by one plate that resurfaces into the mantle more or less frequently. For high intrusion efficiencies, we describe the new "plutonic-squishy-lid" regime. Hot intrusions make the lithosphere squishy and lead to drippings and delaminations of the crust. In turn, these processes lead to significant surface velocities (even if subduction is not active), and small, short-lived plates. The lithosphere is kept thin, and therefore, the loss of heat from the interior is efficient. The new regime has the potential to be applicable to the Archean Earth and ...

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“…Lu, Kaus, Zhao, and Zheng () also assumed that the material at the base of the lithosphere could be removed, but that most of the lithosphere remained stable. Finally, the numerical modelling of Fischer and Gerya (), although initially set for studying subduction, shows that subduction is impossible for potential temperatures 200–250°C above present‐day conditions. In this latter case, a tectonic regime with plumes and a stagnant lid seems to operate.…”

Section: Initial Conditions Of the Model: Plume Mantle Potential Tempmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Hadean–Archaean transition at 4 Ga: From magma trapping in the mantle to volcanic resurfacing of the Earth

2017

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The Hadean–Archaean transition is poorly known because of the dearth of Hadean rocks. A new conceptual model is presented based on variations in mantle potential temperature (Tp) with time. The critical issue is the depth of melting with respect to a negatively buoyant magma sink between 410 and 330 km (14–11 GPa). Hadean plume magmatism begins below the magma sink, leading to generation of a refractory upper mantle reservoir and the minor production of boninite‐like magmas near the surface. With cooling, the onset of melting migrates above the magma sink, a situation likely occurring since 3.9 Ga and corresponding to Tps of ~1870°C or less. Therefore, a burst of mafic to ultramafic volcanism was produced at 3.9–3.8 Ga. This extensive volcanism may have triggered gravitational instabilities and favoured the recycling of the Hadean crust into the mantle. Results of this model are discussed in the light of existing isotopic data.

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Regimes of subduction and lithospheric dynamics in the Precambrian: 3D thermomechanical modelling

Cited by 94 publications

References 59 publications

Generation of Earth's Early Continents From a Relatively Cool Archean Mantle

Generation of Earth's Early Continents From a Relatively Cool Archean Mantle

Plutonic‐Squishy Lid: A New Global Tectonic Regime Generated by Intrusive Magmatism on Earth‐Like Planets

The Hadean–Archaean transition at 4 Ga: From magma trapping in the mantle to volcanic resurfacing of the Earth

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