Elsevier

Tectonophysics

Volume 24, Issues 1–2, October 1974, Pages 13-29
Tectonophysics

Rheological properties of lithosphere

https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-1951(74)90128-0Get rights and content

Abstract

The flexure of the lithosphere under a linear load such as at Hawaii, and before a trench such as in the Hokkaido rise—Kuril trench system are calculated assuming homogeneous visco-elasticity and (in the second case) a superimposed longitudinal compression. The well-established rigidity of plates on the million years scale implies a viscosity η ⩾ 1025 poises, and focal mechanisms imply a thickness H ⩾ 50 km. Then the flexures lead to an apparent Young's modulus an order of magnitude lower than that inferred from seismic wave velocities. It is suggested that the actual process at work is some kind of transient creep, which may be confused with elasticity only for non-decreasing stresses. The rise—trench problem is solved using this “pseudo-elastic” model.

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There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (5)

  • Evolution of the Australian lithosphere

    2002, Australian Journal of Earth Sciences
  • Dynamic support of the outer rise

    1978, Geophysical Research Letters
  • The driving mechanism of plate tectonics

    1975, Reviews of Geophysics
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