Numerical models of convection in the earth's mantle

Calculations on convection in Newtonian fluids at large Rayleigh numbers show behaviour in general agreement with geophysical observations. The calculated values of surface velocities, regional gravity and topographic anomalies all lie within the range of values found at the earth's surface. The sign of the gravity anomaly over rising fluid is positive because the gravitational effect of the surface deformation is greater than that of the density deficit. This result appears to agree with geophysical observations and should permit the flow within the mantle to be followed in some detail.