Experimental Investigations of Solid-Liquid Boundary in the Earth's Core

University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL

Investigators

Abstract

Li EAR-0337612 Thermodynamics and kinetics of melting in the Fe-light element-alloy systems are important for understanding the thermal and chemical evolution of the Earth's core. The goal of this proposal is to investigate phase relations near the solid-liquid boundary in the Fe-O-S ternary system under high pressures. This goal will be achieved through multi-anvil experiments combined with analyses of the quenched run products and in situ synchrotron measurements. Experiments will be conducted 1) to establish and understand the pressure dependence of the eutectic temperature in the Fe-O-S ternary system, 2) to determine the eutectic composition in the Fe-O-S system as a function of pressure, 3) to test the closure of the miscibility gap in the Fe-rich portion of the Fe-O-S ternary system above 25 GPa, and 4) to explore a synchrotron-based method for in situ determination of temperature and composition of eutectic point in the Fe-O-S system. The results will be used to test whether or not the Fe-O-S system is an adequate model for the core composition, and to provide further constraints on the composition and temperature of the Earth's core. This project will support the early-career female PI in developing the infrastructure for high-pressure research at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign. The project will involve the training of graduate and undergraduate students.