Readings

1

Geodynamics: Introduction - Parameterized Convection

Richard O'Connell

The following papers will be discussed in Lecture 2
(N. B. Everyone should read the papers, but groups will present the material and lead the discussion)

Group 1

McNamara, and Van Keken. "Cooling of the Earth: a parameterized convection study of whole versus layered models." G-cubed (2000).

Group 2

Davies. "Thermal histories of convective Earth models and constraints on radiogenic heat production in the Earth." JGR (1980).

General Discussion

Hofmeister, and Chriss. "Earth's heat flux revised and linked to chemistry." Tectonophysics (2005).

3

Core Energetics: Geodynamo Constraints on Heat Generation and Transport

Jeremy Bloxham

The following papers will be presented/discussed in Lecture 4

Group 1

Nimmo, F. "Why does Venus lack a magnetic field?" Geology 30 (2002): 987-990.

Group 2

Christensen, U., and A. Tilgner. "Power requirements of the geodynamo from Ohmic losses in numerical and laboratory dynamos." Nature 429 (2004): 169-171. (along with "News & Views" by Holme in same issue)

5

Mantle Petrology: Chemical and Petrological Constraints of Mantle Evolution (Accretion Models; Early Earth Conditions; Magma Ocean; Implications for Other Planets)

Tim Grove

The following papers will be presented/discussed in Lecture 6

Group 1

Grove, T. L., and S. W. Parman. "Thermal evolution of the Earth as recorded by komatiites." Earth and Planetary Science Letters (2004).

Group 2

Davies, G. F. EPSL 136 (1995): 363-379.

7

Constraints on Mantle Structure and Composition from Seismic Tomography (Part 1)

Rob Van Der Hilst

The following papers will be presented/discussed in Lecture 8

Group 1

Ritsema, J., and R. Allen. "The elusive mantle plume." Earth Planet Sci Lett (2003).

Group 2

Montelli R., G. Nolet, F. A. Dahlen, G. Masters, E. R. Engdahl, and S. H. Hung. "Finite-frequency tomography reveals a variety of plumes in the mantle." Science 303 (2004): 338-343.

Backround Reading

Montelli R., G. Nolet, G. Masters, F. A. Dahlen, and S. H. Hung. "Global P and PP traveltime tomography: rays versus waves." Geophys J Int 158 (2004): 637-654.

9

Simple Fluid Dynamical Constraints on Mixing, and Unmixing

Brad Hager

The following papers will be presented/discussed in Lecture 10

Group 2

Becker, T. W., J. B. Kellogg, and R. J. O'Connell. "Thermal constraints on the survival of primitive blobs in the lower mantle." EPSL 171 (1999): 351-365.

Group 1

Hager, B. H., et al. "Lower mantle heterogeneity, dynamic topography, and the geoid." Nature 313 (1985): 541-545.

11

Lower Most Mantle and D'' (Heat Flow, Thermal Boundary Layers, Post-Perovskite,...)

Helge Gonnermann / Rob Van Der Hilst

Lecture 12 is the last meeting of this class. As a 'Grand Finale' all students taking the class for credit will present one of the following papers.

Hernlund, J. W., C. Thomas, and P. J. Tackley. "A doubling of the post-perovskite phase boundary and structure of the Earth's lowermost mantle." Nature 434, no. 7035 (April 14, 2005): 882-886.

Jellinek, A. M., and M. Manga. "The influence of a chemical boundary layer on the fixity, spacing and lifetime of mantle plumes." Nature 418, no. 6899 (August 15, 2002): 760-763.

Davaille, A. "Simultaneous generation of hotspots and superswells by convection in a heterogenous planetary mantle." Nature 402, no. 6763 (December 16, 1999): 756-760.

Sidorin, I., M. Gurnis, and D. V. Helmberger. "Evidence for a ubiquitous seismic discontinuity at the base of the mantle." Science 286, no. 5443 (November 12, 1999): 1326-1331.

Dobson, D. P., and J. P. Brodholt. "Subducted banded iron formations as a source of ultralow-velocity zones at the core-mantle boundary." Nature 434, no. 7031 (March 17, 2005): 371-374.

Lay, T., Q. Williams, and E. J. Garnero. "The core-mantle boundary layer and deep Earth dynamics." Nature 392, no. 6675 (April 2, 1998): 461-468.

Buffett, B. A. "Estimates of heat flow in the deep mantle based on the power requirements for the geodynamo." Geophysical Research Letters 29, no. 12, Art. No. 1566 (June 15, 2002).

Badro, J., J. P. Rueff, G. Vanko, et al. "Electronic transitions in perovskite: Possible nonconvecting layers in the lower mantle." Science 305, no. 5682 (July 16, 2004): 383-386.