Interpretation of low degree components of gravitational potential in terms of undulations of mantle phase boundaries

H. W.S. McQueen*, F. D. Stacey

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    10 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The supposition that spherical harmonic components of degrees 4-20 in the gravitational potential of the earth are the long wavelength spectral components of relatively sharp protrusions on nearly spherical boundaries, such as mantle phase boundaries, is examined from a statistical viewpoint. It is concluded that: 1. (1) the only important boundaries are at depth less than 1000 km; 2. (2) the two principal boundaries have a strong negative correlation, that is, highs of one correspond to lows of the other; 3. (3) the lower of the two boundaries has a greater product density contrast × r.m.s. amplitude by a factor about 1.5. The magnitudes of the undulations are consistent with narrow elevations and depressions of phase boundaries of order 100 km height in the downgoing lithospheric slabs at subduction zones.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)T1
    JournalTectonophysics
    Volume34
    Issue number1-2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 1976

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