Mantle Heterogeneities
Uncovering the Structure and Dynamics of Earth's Mantle Heterogeneities
Research Overview
The structure, morphology, and evolution of deep mantle heterogeneities—particularly the Large Low Shear Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs) and Ultra-Low Velocity Zones (ULVZs)—hold the key to understanding dynamic processes within Earth’s interior. These features influence core–mantle interactions, the geodynamo, the supercontinent cycle, and the triggering of supervolcano eruptions.
Research Questions
What is the morphology of LLSVPs? What factors control the morphology of LLSVPs? What is the relationship between LLSVPs and ULVZs?
Research Images
The two continental-sized large low-velocity provinces in the lower mantle. Image by Edward Garnero, model from French & Romanowicz, 2014
Publications
Instability of the African large low-shear-wave-velocity province due to its low intrinsic density
Yuan, Q., Li, M.M.
Nature Geoscience (2022) • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-022-00908-3
Vastly different heights of LLVPs caused by different strengths of historical slab push
Yuan, Q., Li, M.M.
Geophysical Research Letters (2022) • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GL099564
Deep mantle heterogeneities formed through a basal magma ocean contaminated by core exsolution
Deng, J., Miyazaki, Y., Yuan, Q., & Du, Z
Nature Geoscience (2025) • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-025-01797-y
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