Constraints on shallow mantle viscosity from morphology and deformation of fast-spreading ridges
Abstract
We show that the morphology and the deformation of a fast spreading ridge constrain shallow upper mantle viscosity. A fast spreading center is simulated in a numerical model that couples tectonic deformation due to plate spreading and periodic dike emplacements. The amount of magma intruded into dikes or extruded is enough to make a 7 km thick crust and the axial lithosphere is fixed at ∼2 km thickness. For low viscosities (≤1019 Pas), the model spreading center is marked by an axial high with relief governed by the axial density structure. For high viscosities (≥1020 Pas) the axial morphology is a valley and extensional brittle deformation is distributed away from the near-axis region. The observed morphology and deformation of fast spreading ridges are not consistent with the high mantle viscosity estimated for very dry olivine, as some suggest may result from partial melting related dehydration. © 2010 by the American Geophysical Union.
Publication Title
Geophysical Research Letters
Recommended Citation
Choi, E., & Buck, W. (2010). Constraints on shallow mantle viscosity from morphology and deformation of fast-spreading ridges. Geophysical Research Letters, 37 (16) https://doi.org/10.1029/2010GL043681
