Models of Mantle Viscosity

by Scott D. King

The viscosity of the mantle is one of the most important,
and least understood material properties of the Elarth.
Plate velocities, deep-earthquake source mechanisms, the
stress distribution in subduction zones, and estimates of
geochemical mixing time scales are all strongly affected
by the pattern of convective flow which. in turn, is
strongly influenced by the viscosity structure of the
mantle. There are two approaches to understanding the
viscosity structure of the E&h: using observations such as
the geoid and post-glacial uplift, combined with flow
models; or studying the physical deformation properties of
mantle minerals in the laboratory. Both approaches have
advantages and drawbacks.

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