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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Special Volumes

Abstract


Pub. Id: A154 (1974)

First Page: 448

Last Page: 462

Book Title: M 23: Plate Tectonics--Assessments and Reassessments

Article/Chapter: Lomnitz Law Versus Elasticoviscous Controversy

Subject Group: Structure, Tectonics, Paleostructure

Spec. Pub. Type: Memoir

Pub. Year: 1974

Author(s): Paul S. Wesson (2)

Abstract:

Two opposing viewpoints exist concerning the anelasticity of the mantle. One viewpoint (the largest by far) maintains that convection is possible, whereas the other viewpoint maintains that it is not.

After the relevant data were reviewed with the object of reconciliation, it was concluded that plate tectonics and convection may be implausible and that, although the lower mantle is nonconvective, it is overlain by an irregularly convecting region in which the elasticoviscous law may dominate. The lower mantle is inferred to obey a Lomnitz-type law, in which the decreasing rate of creep with time is associated with grain growth in a material already having a large grain size.

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