Pressure, Stress, Seismic Discontinuities and Mantle Dynamics

Explore the complex dynamics of Earth's mantle in this one-hour lecture from the University of Liverpool's Earth Sciences department. Delve into the fundamental role of density contrasts in mantle convection and plate tectonics, examining how thermal, chemical, and mineralogical variations contribute to these processes. Investigate global seismology findings, focusing on the 410 and 660 km discontinuities and their relationship to pressure-induced mineralogical changes. Learn about anomalies in mantle discontinuity depths and consider new explanations, including the effects of dynamic pressures from mantle flow and the direct impact of stress on mineral transformations. Gain insights into how these concepts apply to both crustal metamorphism and mantle convection, advancing your understanding of Earth's internal processes.