Low-degree convection with melting and application to the Martian northern hemisphere
Author(s)
Dennedy-Frank, P. James (Peter James)![Thumbnail](/bitstream/handle/1721.1/37983/150568714-MIT.pdf.jpg?sequence=4&isAllowed=y)
DownloadFull printable version (6.963Mb)
Other Contributors
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences.
Advisor
Maria T. Zuber.
Terms of use
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
I investigate the hypothesis that the young and smooth surface of the Martian northern hemisphere is due to volcanic resurfacing driven by degree-one convection. I implement a batch melting process in a finite element convection model and run numerical experiments to quantify the melt fraction, timing of melting, and timing of the onset of degree-one convection. All models include a stratified viscosity to induce degree-one flow. To assure that the model's result is robust I vary the model's initial conditions, core-mantle boundary temperature and radius, and the thickness of the lithospheric lid. Long-wavelength convection is a consistent result of the viscosity stratification, and degree-one occurs in one third of the numerical experiments. I compare the melt fraction and onset of degree-one convection to the geological evidence from Martian orbiters, rovers, and meteorites. Good agreement is found between the numerical models and geological evidence, so this model suggests that volcanism driven by degree-one convection may play a significant role in the young age of the northern hemisphere of Mars.
Description
Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, 2006. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 57-64).
Date issued
2006Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary SciencesPublisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Keywords
Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences.