Convection in Mostly Solid Planets and Satellites

George van Osdol Professor of Planetary Science
Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences
Caltech

Abstract-
A review of approximate scaling laws (boundary layer theory) for calculating thermal state and convective vigor in solid yet viscous planets is presented. Modifications to handle partial melting (two phase flow) are then discussed. The applications to be described include: Prediction of a water ocean in icy satellites such as Callisto, and estimates of crustal production on planets such as Mars.

GALCIT Home Page

Fluids Seminar Page