AboutKeith Patton Expertise I can answer questions concerning physical and historical geology, environmental geology/hydrology, environmental consulting, remote sensing/aerial photo interpretation, G&G computer applications, petroleum exploration, drilling, geochemistry, geochemical and microbiological prospecting, 3D reservoir modeling, computer mapping and drilling.I am not a geophysicist.
Experience I have 24 years experience split between the petroleum and environmental industries. I have served as an expert witness in remote sensing, developmental geologist, exploration geologist, enviromental project manager, and subject matter expert in geology and geophysical software development.
Organizations American Association of Petroleum Geologists
American Association of Photogrammetrists and Remote Sensing
Education/Credentials Bachelor and Master of Science
Registered Geologist in State of Texas
Question why are some parts of the lower mantle hotter than other parts
Answer We don't fully understand why mantle hot spots form. It is believed that thermal plumes develop in response to meteoric impacts, but this has not been fully substantiated. Still other hypotheses called the Antipodal Pair Hypothesis is that one hotspot has a corresponding twin due to one impact. The first hypothesis is simply convection in the mantle causes the hot spots.
Closer to the surface near subduction, introduction of entrapped water into melting rock can cause local increases in the temperature of the rocks and melts.
