Destruction and regrowth of lithospheric mantle beneath large igneous provinces.

ABSTRACT: Large igneous provinces (LIPs) are formed by enormous (i.e., frequently >10⁶ km³) but short-lived magmatic events that have profound effects upon global geodynamic, tectonic, and environmental processes. Lithospheric structure is known to modulate mantle melting, yet its evolution during and after such dramatic periods of magmatism is poorly constrained. Using geochemical and seismological observations, we find that magmatism is associated with thin (i.e., ≲80 km) lithosphere and we reveal a striking positive correlation between the thickness of modern-day lithosphere beneath LIPs and time since eruption. Oceanic lithosphere rethickens to 125 km, while continental regions reach >190 km. Our results point to systematic destruction and subsequent regrowth of lithospheri

SUBMITTER: Stephenson SN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11811892 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature