关键词: 地幔对流, 地幔柱, 涡旋, 物理模拟实验

Abstract: The physical modeling of mantle convection based on the theory of similarity provides an approach to understanding the origin and mechanism of mantle vortex. The results of the experiments indicate that: thermal plumes in the mantle (i.e. mantle plumes) should be divided into two types, vertical plumes, as mentioned traditionally, and non-vertical plumes, including those of inclined-columns, vortexes, etc., and the former may be only a particular case of the latter; under the condition of the Coriolis force to be ignored. Vortex-like plume can result from a variety of flow guides, such as those formed by the subduction, stagnancy and flush of lithospheric slab, the existence of lithospheric roots, and the inhomogeneous viscosity distribution in the mantle; the mantle vortex in the asthenosphere flows along a logarithmic-spiral trajectory with its rotating radius and linear velocity decreasing gradually while its angular velocity roughly to be constant.

Key words: Mantle Convection, Plume, Vortex, Physical modeling