A Magma Accretion Model for the Formation of Oceanic Lithosphere: Implications for Global Heat Loss

TL;DR

This paper introduces a magma accretion model for oceanic lithosphere that better explains thermal and bathymetric data, indicating a need to revise global heat loss estimates downward by at least 25%.

Contribution

The new VBA model incorporates lateral variations in magma accretion and temperature, improving fit to observational data without relying on hydrothermal circulation hypotheses.

Findings

Heat flow and bathymetry fits are significantly improved.

Global heat loss estimates should be reduced by at least 25%.

Model explains data across entire oceanic age range.

Abstract

A simple magma accretion model of the oceanic lithosphere is proposed and its implications for understanding the thermal field of oceanic lithosphere examined. The new model (designated VBA) assumes existence of lateral variations in magma accretion rates and temperatures at the boundary zone between the lithosphere and the asthenosphere. Heat flow and bathymetry variations calculated on the basis of the VBA model provide vastly improved fits to respective observational datasets. The improved fits have been achieved for the entire age range and without the need to invoke the ad-hoc hypothesis of large-scale hydrothermal circulation in stable ocean crust. The results suggest that estimates of global heat loss need to be downsized by at least 25%.