MEAN AGE OF MANTLE AND CRUSTAL RESERVOIRS

Mantle and crust evolution is discussed in terms of two simple transport models. In model 1, continents (j equals 3) are derived by melt extraction over the history of the earth from undepleted mantle (j equals 1), and the residue forms a depleted mantle (j equals 2) , which today is the source of mid-ocean ridge basalts. In model 2, new additions to continents are derived from a mantle reservoir 2, which becomes more depleted through time by repeated extraction of melts.-AuthorsEnglish