The Mantle MOJO

Mixing of classic mantle reservoirs in tetrahedron space, Figure 2 from Hart et al. (1992). Click to view larger.

If I ever name a mantle reservoir, I am going to call it the MOJO. Why? Because I would love to give a geochemistry talk where I discuss such-and-such volcanic rock having a mantle MOJO signature. The mantle MOJO will be the sexiest of mantle reservoirs. All geochemists will hope their rocks have a little MOJO in them. For those of you who are not familiar with meaning of the slang word "mojo," I recommend watching the Austin Powers move "The Spy Who Shagged Me" or consulting the trusty urban dictionary. 

My only problem in naming this mantle reservoir is, of course, coming up with a good definition of the acronym. Well, and actually finding some evidence for the proposed reservoir. But really, this is such a great mantle reservoir acronym that I'm sure we can find a place for it in geochemistry.

Geology Word of the Week: L is for Lithosphere

Mantle Hills, Oman, January 2009.

def. Lithosphere:
1. The cool, outer layer of the Earth that deforms in a brittle manner.
2. Although often mistaken for the crust, a layer of the Earth that actually consists of both the crust and part of the upper mantle.