Cathles, LawrenceFjeldskar, WillyLenardic, AdrianRomanowicz, BarbaraSeales, JohnnyRichards, Mark2024-05-032024-05-032023Cathles, L., Fjeldskar, W., Lenardic, A., Romanowicz, B., Seales, J., & Richards, M. (2023). Influence of the asthenosphere on earth dynamics and evolution. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 13367. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-39973-yhttps://hdl.handle.net/1911/115623The existence of a thin, weak asthenospheric layer beneath Earth’s lithospheric plates is consistent with existing geological and geophysical constraints, including Pleistocene glacio-isostatic adjustment, modeling of gravity anomalies, studies of seismic anisotropy, and post-seismic rebound. Mantle convection models suggest that a pronounced weak zone beneath the upper thermal boundary layer (lithosphere) may be essential to the plate tectonic style of convection found on Earth. The asthenosphere is likely related to partial melting and the presence of water in the sub-lithospheric mantle, further implying that the long-term evolution of the Earth may be controlled by thermal regulation and volatile recycling that maintain a geotherm that approaches the wet mantle solidus at asthenospheric depths.engExcept where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the terms of the license or beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.Journal articles41598-023-39973-yhttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-39973-y