Uplift of Beta Regio: Three-dimensional models

Three‐dimensional models of the uplift of Beta Regio caused by a mantle plume satisfy constraints on gravity, topography, rheology, and the uplift rate substantially better than two‐dimensional models. In particular, the uplift time of Beta Regio is reduced to an acceptable 800 million years. Three‐...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Geophysical Research - Planets 2004-08, Vol.109 (E8), p.E08007-n/a
Main Authors: Vezolainen, A. V., Solomatov, V. S., Basilevsky, A. T., Head, J. W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Beta
Dynamics, convection currents and mantle plumes
Mathematical Geophysics
Modeling
Planetary interiors
Planetology
Solar System Objects
Tectonophysics
Venus
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Summary:Three‐dimensional models of the uplift of Beta Regio caused by a mantle plume satisfy constraints on gravity, topography, rheology, and the uplift rate substantially better than two‐dimensional models. In particular, the uplift time of Beta Regio is reduced to an acceptable 800 million years. Three‐dimensional models give the plume formation depth around 3000 km, which approximately corresponds to the core‐mantle boundary. The results depend only weakly on the initial lithospheric thickness (at the time of global resurfacing), including a very thin initial lithosphere. This implies that the thick present‐day lithosphere (∼400 km) suggested by our models can be reconciled with a thin lithosphere (100–200 km) inferred from the melt generation rates and the flexural rigidity models.
ISSN:0148-0227
2156-2202
DOI:10.1029/2004JE002259