Parameterization of temperature- and stress-dependent viscosity convection and the thermal evolution of Venus

While many laboratory and numerical experiments have been done on variable viscosity convection the theoretical interpretation of the results is almost absent. This work suggests a theoretical interpretation of the results of the numerical modeling of temperature- and stress-dependent viscosity convection in a wide parameter range. The relationships found between the parameters of convection are summarized into a simple scheme and can be applied to various geophysical problems. The thermal evolution of Venus is considered as an example. -Author