Project Details
X-ray fluorescence and X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies of element redistribution processes between carbonates and mantle phases at lower mantle conditions
Applicants
Dr. Karen Appel; Professor Dr. Max Wilke
Subject Area
Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
Term
from 2015 to 2023
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 242495784
In this project we would like to establish an understanding of the exchange of elements between carbonates and mantle silicates in peridotitic lithologies at upper and lower Earth's mantle conditions and estimate the influence of carbonates on the trace element budget of the mantle and related properties. In-situ experiments will be performed to determine the trace-element partitioning between carbonates and mantle phases. Furthermore, we want to develop time-resolved XRF measurement techniques for in situ observation of silicate-carbonate reactions and gain first insight into reaction processes between silicates and carbonates at a time resolution of milliseconds and below. Overall, the project aims at a better understanding of findings by Brenker et al. (2007), who evidenced that REE and Sr are important trace elements in natural diamond inclusions formed at lower mantle conditions. So far, genetic processes leading to the observed trace element patterns in the phases of the diamond inclusions remain unclear due to the lack of knowledge on trace element partitioning between carbonates and silicates at the conditions of the mantle.
DFG Programme
Research Units