Tectonic and mantle convection regimes
Conceptual illustration of different styles (regimes) of tectonics and mantle convection, which are relevant for rocky planets.
Mantle convection is brought to life in this collection of accurate, accessible science graphics, designed to make understanding Earth’s internal heat flow clear and engaging. These visuals explain how hot mantle material rises and cooler material sinks, driving plate tectonics, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains. Perfect for educators, students, and geoscience enthusiasts, this mantle convection graphic collection turns complex geodynamic processes into visually rich, easy-to-grasp resources for teaching and learning about Earth’s dynamic interior.
Earth’s mantle heterogeneity theories
Conceptual model sketches for proposed compositional structures of Earth's mantle, including "Marble cake", "Thermo-chemical piles", and "Mid-mantle blobs" theories.
Solid-state convection
Simulation of infinite Prandtl number, thermal convection (e.g., mantle convection).
Solid-state convection (animation)
Simulation of infinite Prandtl number, thermal convection (e.g., mantle convection).
Sea-level change mechanisms (sketch)
Sketches outlining the solid-Earth induced sea-level change mechanisms over different time periods, covering elastic, viscous, and mantle convection time scales.
Global-scale mantle flow (sketch)
A sketch outlining the link between the viscous convection within the Earth’s mantle and tectonic surface plate motions.
Earth interior model
Simplified model of the Earth’s interior and its global dynamics featuring a solid inner and a fluid outer core, a viscous partially molten but not fluid mantle, and characteristic surface topography.
Planetary interior
Comparison of suggested mantle convection in the Earth (mobile-lid mode) and Venus (inefficient short slab mode).
Deformation mechanisms
The three deformation mechanisms viscous, elastic, and brittle (a.k.a. plastic).