Heat transport within the Earth

TL;DR

This paper reviews Earth's heat transport mechanisms, introduces a new mode called 'mantle decompression thermal tsunami', and speculates on a potential fifth mode, 'heat channeling', affecting geothermal hotspots.

Contribution

It proposes a novel heat transport mode, 'mantle decompression thermal tsunami', and suggests the possibility of 'heat channeling' as a new mechanism in Earth's geothermal processes.

Findings

Introduction of 'mantle decompression thermal tsunami' as a heat transport mode

Speculation on 'heat channeling' as a fifth heat transport mechanism

Review of traditional heat transport modes and their limitations

Abstract

Numerous attempts have been made to interpret Earth's dynamic processes based upon heat transport concepts derived from ordinary experience. But, ordinary experience can be misleading, especially when underlain by false assumptions. Geodynamic considerations traditionally have embraced three modes of heat transport: conduction, convection, and radiation. Recently, I introduced a fourth, "mantle decompression thermal tsunami" that, I submit, is responsible for emplacing heat at the base of the Earth's crust. Here, I review thermal transport within the Earth and speculate that there might be a fifth mode: "heat channeling", involving heat transport from the core to "hot-spots" such as those that power the Hawaiian Islands and Iceland.