Mineral Physics
Figure Caption: Cross-section within a diamond-anvil cell. By compressing a laser-heated sample between two diamonds, planetary interior conditions are reproduced, while simultaneously probing the sample's geophysical and geochemical properties. Credit: Jackson Lab, Caltech
Minerals experience enormous changes as they experience the crushing pressures and temperatures deep inside the planet, which are reflected in their physical and chemical properties. These changes exert major controls on planetary interior processes, such as mantle circulation (subduction, plumes) and planetary evolution in general.
We have a broad range of research aimed at addresses these fundamental topics, including: Studies of the crystal chemistry and physical properties of mantle minerals and rocks, including volcanic assemblages; investigations on sseismic wave speeds, equations of state, and phase diagrams of planet-forming materials; combining experimental mineral physics with geophysical observations and modeling to reveal multi-scale structures in Earth's interior; and finally, method development with novel in-situ x-ray scattering methods that access different time and length scales of atomic arrangements that allow us to constrain melting and phase transitions at high-pressures.
Seismo Lab scientists doing research in this area:
Faculty
- Paul Asimow (Geology/Geochemistry)
- Jennifer Jackson
- Michael Gurnis
- George Rossman (Geochemistry)