Influence of the Asthenosphere on Earth Dynamics and Evolution

Authors:
  • LCLawrence Cathles
    Lawrence Cathles
  • WFWilly Fjeldskaar
    Willy Fjeldskaar
  • ALAdrian Lenardic
    Adrian Lenardic
  • BRBarbara Romanowicz
    Barbara Romanowicz
  • JSJohnny Seales
    Johnny Seales
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Abstract
The existence of a thin, weak asthenospheric layer beneath Earth’s lithospheric plates is consistent with existing geological and geophysical constraints, including Pleistocene glacio-isostatic adjustment, modeling of gravity anomalies, studies of seismic anisotropy, and post-seismic rebound. Mantle convection models suggest that a pronounced weak zone beneath the upper thermal boundary layer (lithosphere) may be essential to the plate tectonic style of convection found on Earth. The asthenosphere is likely related to partial melting and the presence of water in the sub-lithospheric mantle, further implying that the long-term evolution of the Earth, including the apparently early onset and persistence of plate tectonics, may be controlled by thermal regulation and volatile recycling that maintain a geotherm that approaches the wet mantle solidus at asthenospheric depths.