RHEOLOGICAL MODEL OF THE EARTH'S AND THE TERRESTRIAL PLANETS' MANTLES

B. I. Birger

Abstract

In theoretical geophysics, a power law non-Newtonian fluid is usually applied to model slow flows in the mantle. However, the power law fluid has no memory in contrast with a real material. Therefore, this model is relevant only to stationary flows where stresses are constant in time. In the present study, a new nonlinear integral (having a memory) model is proposed to describe the rheology of the mantle. The model is consistent with the theory of simple fluids with fading memory and with the results of laboratory studies of rock creep at high temperatures and pressures approximating mantle conditions.

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Computational Seismology, Vol. 3.