Along-axis dynamic topography constrained by major-element chemistry

Variations in thickness and density of both the crust and the associated uper mantle have been derived from a compilation of zero-age major-element composition along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the East Pacific Rise and the Southeast Indian Ridge. Assuming isostatic compensation, the axial depth computed from major-element data correctly agrees with observed axial depth. Discrepancies are essentially located near hotspots such as Iceland and Azores. The residual topography, expressed as the difference between observed and compensated axial depth has a root-mean-square of 426 m along the three spreading axes, which is below the resolution power of the method. This insignificant topography, which is assumed to contain the dynamic surface topography associated with mantle convection, bears an important constraint on the relative variations of the dynamic topography predicted by models of mantle circulation.