Mantle convection is a fundamental process of the Earth. Direct observations of this process are obtained through a variety of multiscale methods. They may provide constrains to estimate fundamental parameters for the Earth mantle structure (e.g., viscosity, density and temperature). Seismic imaging and gravity data, for instance, provide a snapshot of processes occurring in the present-day mantle. Geochemical analysis of trace elements can be used to estimate temperature and depths of melt generation. Histories of large scale horizontal and vertical lithosphere motion recorded in the stratigraphic data hold important information on the evolving mantle bouyancies. Altogether these classes of observations would provide powerful constraints for geodynamic forward and inverse models of past mantle convection.
This session aims to provide a holistic view of the Earth mantle and their evolution through time. We welcome contributions from seismic tomography, anisotropy studies, geochemistry, plate kinematics, structural geology and theoretical models that address questions surrounding Earth’s mantle an its evolution in the Cretaceous and Cenozoic times. Studies using a multidisciplinary approach are particularly encouraged.