Elasticity of High Pressure Phases of Mantle Minerals

Suny At Stony Brook, Stony Brook NY

Investigators

Abstract

Robert C. Liebermann 9980451 Phase transformations in mantle minerals at high pressures and temperatures strongly influence the physical properties and dynamic processes in the Earth's interior. The objective of this laboratory program is to study the elastic properties of high-pressure phases of mantle minerals using ultrasonic techniques in conjunction with synchrotron X-radiation. The new elasticity data will then be used to interpret seismic models of the Earth's mantle in terms of chemical composition and mineralogy. This research program takes advantage of the special opportunities provided by the multi-anvil, large-volume facilities of the Stony Brook High Pressure Laboratory and the associated analytical facilities of the NSF Science and Technology Center for High Pressure Research (CHiPR), as well as those of the National Synchrotron Light Source at the nearby Brookhaven National Laboratory.