Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
topography
halfspace
3.0
598.0 Ma
0
-3.0
Temperature (
C)
1500
0
°
Figure 6.6. Topography calculated from a numerical convection model. The model
is not accurate for subduction zones. The dashed 'half-space' line refers to the
thermal boundary layer theory.
200
Heat flux
150
Half space
100
50
0
0
1
2
3
4
Distance
Figure 6.7. Surface heat flux calculated from the numerical convection model of
Figure 6.6. The dashed 'half-space' line refers to the thermal boundary layer
theory.
The surface heat flow from this model is shown in Figure 6.7. In this case the
magnitude and general form are quite close to that of the thermal boundary layer
theory. This is to be expected because the surface heat flow is not sensitive to the
deep mantle, but only to the temperature variation within the thermal boundary
layer.
