Fig. 2: Density variation with depth and thermal gradient.
From: Metamorphism of Venus as driver of crustal thickness and recycling
Comparison of densities for the compositions of peridotite, basalt, and alkali basalt along thermal gradients of 5 °C/km (A), 10 °C/km (B), 15 °C/km (C), 20 °C/km (D) and 25 °C/km (E). Vertical lines (B–E) indicate the depth at which melting occurs for each of the compositions (melting in A starts at greater depth than shown). Numbers represent the depth (km) at which either density crossover or melting occurs. After the start of melting, densities are reported only for the restite, with the melt being removed from the system. The density scale (y-axis) varies for different thermal gradients.
