Large-scale lithospheric stress field induced by global mantle flow
Primary goal of this project is a better understanding of the mantle flow contribution to lithospheric stresses. Stresses from mantle flow are computed and compared to observations, such as compiled in the World Stress Map. Here a result of predicted stress magnitudes for a mantle density model based on the tomographic model by Steve Grand is shown. The color scale goes from -153 MPa (compressive, left) to +153 MPa (tensile, right). Also show is the global distribution of hotspots (red dots). They are almost exclusively located in regions of tensile stress. Lines indicate the calculated directions of maximum compressive stress. This project is a collaboration with Prof. Harro Schmeling and Dr. Gabriele Marquart.

• Steinberger, B., H. Schmeling and G. Marquart (2001). Large-scale lithospheric stress field and topography induced by global mantle circulation, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 186, 75-91, doi:10.1016/S0012-821X(01)00229-1 [abstract and supplementary information] [pdf]

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