Grain boundaries weaken in planetary interiors, research suggests

Mantle convection and associated plate tectonics of planets like the Earth are governed by the deformation of mantle rocks. This deformation occurs through the motion of defects in the crystal lattices of minerals. Thus, the physical properties of these structural defects under pressure have profound implications on the dynamics of Earth-like planets. Mantle convection and associated plate tectonics of planets like the Earth are governed by the deformation of mantle rocks. This deformation occurs through the motion of defects in the crystal lattices of minerals. Thus, the physical properties of these structural defects under pressure have profound implications on the dynamics of Earth-like planets. Planetary Sciences Phys.org – latest science and technology news stories