Observational constraints on the chemical and thermal structure of the Earth's deep interior

Abstract

The observations of the periods of free oscillation of the Earth provide direct constraints on the density distribution in the Earth. These in turn allow constraints to be placed on the size of departures from a state of adiabaticity and chemical homogeneity. These departures are quantified in terms of a stratification parameter 'η' first introduced as an index of chemical homogeneity. The resolving power theory of Backus & Gilbert is used to determine the ability of the observed free oscillations to constrain η in the lower mantle and outer core. The results suggest that the outer core is not strongly chemically stratified although a significantly thermally stable core cannot be excluded. The free oscillations also apparently require a compositional difference between the inner and outer cores.