Measurement of Si self-diffusion coefficients of wadsleyite as a function of water content

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Tomoo Katsura
• Subject Area: Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
• Term: from 2014 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 251472533

Dynamic motion in the mantle accounts for a wide variety of geological and geophysical phenomena. Understanding dynamic mantle flow is therefore essential for solid-state geophysics. Rock deformation experiments have shown a large decrease in the creep strength of mantle minerals by hydration (hydrolytic weakening). However, deformation experiments are technically difficult, and the inherent lack of control on key parameters makes interpretation of experimental results problematic. Measurements of Si self-diffusion coefficients have the potential to provide an essential and independent source of information about the high-temperature rheology of minerals, because the slow high-temperature creep of silicate minerals should be controlled by Si self-diffusion. We have studied the effect of water on the Si self-diffusion of forsterite (Fei et al., 2013). This study suggests that the effect of water on mantle rheology is much smaller than previously considered; although the water content exponent on the olivine rheology was considered to be 1.2, it is actually only 0.3. This striking conclusion should be extended by examining other important mantle minerals. Wadsleyite is a dominant constituent mineral in the mantle transition zone. In this study, we will measure Si self-diffusion coefficient of both Fe-free and Fe-bearing wadsleyite with water contents from <1 to 1000 ppm at temperatures of 1400 and 1600 K, determining them as a function of temperature and water content. In this kind of study, use of single crystal samples is essential for reliable measurement. We will synthesize wadsleyite single crystals based on the techniques developed in our previous study. The measurement of Si self-diffusion coefficients of wadsleyite will be conducted by following those in our previous study for forsterite. For the iron-bearing samples, pre-annealing and diffusion annealing will be conducted under constant oxygen fugacity buffered by Mo + MoO2. Based on the results of this project, we will examine and improve our understanding of the effects of water on mantle rheology. This work will provide important insights required to properly understand the dynamic behavior of the mantle.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants