Figure 3
From: Lithospheric mantle buoyancy: the role of tectonic convergence and mantle composition
An example output of a model run. Proton lithosphere with v = 40 mm yr−1, at t = 10 Myr. (a) Evolution of the different components of Fb, due to advection (Fa) and thermal diffusion (Fd). The inset shows the whole evolution of Fb until the slab reaches the bottom of the model box. (b) Temperature profile along the slab (along the diagonal dashed line in (d) and (e)). (c) Density profile along the same line. The shortening legend in (b) corresponds to the time legend in (c). (d) Temperature distribution, with isotherm every 200 °C down to the LAB’s temperature of 1300 °C. (e) Density increase (blue) or decrease (red) relative to the initial density distribution. The integral of this density change across the subducting plate defines Fb.
