Punctuated tectonic evolution of the earth

The potential of a phase transformation barrier to cause mantle layering has been incorporated into calculations of the thermal evolution of the earth's mantle based on parameterised convection theory. A range of possible behaviors is demonstrated, depending on parameter values, including episodic layering, long-term layering or no layering. Novel findings are 1-2 Ga phases that might correspond with major tectonic eras, and that early mantle overturns may have caused global magmatic and tectonic convulsions. For the more plausible parameter values, the models are initially layered, but typically the layering becomes unstable and breaks down episodically via mantle overturns. Subsequently the models evolve into whole-mantle convection due to the increasing ability of subducted plates to penetrate the phase barrier as the mantle cools, consistent with geophysical evidence against strong layering of the present mantle. The early layering-overturn cycles may occur on timescales of a few hundred million years. The overturns replace cooler upper mantle material with hotter lower mantle material, and would cause global convulsions that potentially correspond with episodes of crust formation. Such models permit plate tectonics to operate in the Archean between overturns, though the early crust may record mainly the effects of overturns, which could generate, aggregate and/or rework large volumes of mafic crust in a short time. They would help to explain present degrees of depletion of the mantle in incompatible elements as well as strong upper mantle depletion in the early Archean. The early convulsions may have controlled the composition of the atmosphere and frustrated the development of life.