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-INTRINSIC DENSITY CONTRASTSIn order to quantify the effects of these intrinsic density contrasts on the net properties, they compared the mean density as a function of depth in two different models: Their compositionally stratified model. A reference model with the same viscosity law but uniform composition. -INTRINSIC DENSITY CONTRASTS (2)The results of the comparison are reflected in Graph D. The uniform model is represented by a dashed line, showing a superadiabatic density increase of 0,10 T whereas the stratified model, given that T =1800C and T =2 10 5 K 1 the density increase due to composition is approximately 4%, but there is a nearly compesating decrease in density due to increasing temperature. So in sum, the total does not differ more than 1% from the uniform model. -LOWER MANTLE DENSITYIf we compare mineral physics estimates of density and seismic velocity as a function of depth for a particular model composition and the normal modes of Earth's free oscillation. We see that the lower mantle is less than 2% denser than would be expected if it were made of the same composition estimated for the upper mantle. This range encompasses the net density increase in our models, as seen in the graph, in which density , relative to the mean density at a depth of 1100 km (above the compositional boundray). On this nondimensional scale, 0,5 corresponds to 2 to 4%.

-FLAWSThere are, however, a number of complicating factors. 1- Although the density averaged over depths on the order of 1000km can be determined from normal mode data to an accuracy of better than 30%, there is little resolving power to determine the variations over shorter distances. 2- Mineral physics estimates of densisty in the lower mantle require knowledge of both the temperature and the thermal expansion coefficient, neither of which is well determined. 3- Calculations were made for an incompressible model with constant thermal expansivity, which complicates comprarisons with Earth. Within these uncertainties, however, the model appears to be consistent with the constraints from seismology and mineral physics. -DENSE LAYERIf a stable, dense layer exists, the amplitude and pattern of S and P velocity anomalies deep in the mantle would depend on whether the increase in density results for enrichment in Fe or Si. Fe enrichment does not affect the elastic modulus of perovskite, so the main effect is a wavespeed reduction due to increased density. Changing the Si content alters the relative proportion of perovskite and magnesiowstite, leading to a lower layer that is seismically fast even though it is hot. Adding some Si to a Fe-enriched region would reduce the large velocity variations of 3A to reasonable values. Both components may be important in Earth.

-CONCLUSIONS The anomalous region.The transition between the depleted and undepleted mantle is uncertain (1500km suggested). Through analysis of scattered waves (due to interface topography), seismologists may be able to identify the nature and morphology of this feature. Simulations of the substantially thinner D'' layer (in 3D and 2D) show that compositionally dense material piles up under upwellings (possibly explaining the superplumes structures seen under Africa). Also, this anomalous region should be voluminous enough to generate substantial heat and is not easily swept out of the way by convection in the overlying layer associated with plate motions. Also, the dynamics of convection seem to favor massive, longwavelength deflections of the compositional boundary, rather than highly localised penetrative convection. The D'' region. These same simulations exhibit varying degrees of topography on D'', depending on the density of the layer. Further studies will be required to determine how convection in the relatively thick, dense layer relates to the D'' region. Downwelling slabs. Although it is clear from the temperature and composition that the slab reaches to near CMB, its seismic signature is diffuse and weak at greater depths than 2/3 of the mantle. Furthermore, simulations of downwellings in a spherical shell show that slab-like structures may be expected to break up into drips in the deep mantle. Therefore, slab penetration near the CMB is a relatively rare and probably short lived event. Plumes: carry blobs and anomalous layer parts.