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Probing the Thermodynamic Properties of Mantle Rocks in Solid and Liquid States

Citation

Wolf, Aaron Samuel (2013) Probing the Thermodynamic Properties of Mantle Rocks in Solid and Liquid States. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/TJ86-C566. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:06102013-170950875

Abstract

Our understanding of the structure and evolution of the deep Earth is strongly linked to knowledge of the thermodynamic properties of rocky materials at extreme temperatures and pressures. In this thesis, I present work that helps constrain the equation of state properties of iron-bearing Mg-silicate perovskite as well as oxide-silicate melts. I use a mixture of experimental, statistical, and theoretical techniques to obtain knowledge about these phases. These include laser-heated diamond anvil cell experiments, Bayesian statistical analysis of powder diffraction data, and the development of a new simplified model for understanding oxide and silicate melts at mantle conditions. By shedding light on the thermodynamic properties of such ubiquitous Earth-forming materials, I hope to aid our community’s progress toward understanding the large-scale processes operating in the Earth’s mantle, both in the modern day and early in Earth’s history.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:mantle, thermodynamics, mineral physics, silicate melt, oxide melts
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Geological and Planetary Sciences
Major Option:Planetary Sciences
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Asimow, Paul David (advisor)
  • Jackson, Jennifer M. (co-advisor)
Thesis Committee:
  • Blake, Geoffrey A. (chair)
  • Asimow, Paul David
  • Jackson, Jennifer M.
  • Stevenson, David John
Defense Date:29 May 2013
Non-Caltech Author Email:wolf.aarons (AT) gmail.com
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
CSEDIEAR-0855815
NSFEAR 0711542
NSFGRFP
NSFEAGER
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:06102013-170950875
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:06102013-170950875
DOI:10.7907/TJ86-C566
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:7887
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Aaron Wolf
Deposited On:12 Jun 2013 18:43
Last Modified:04 Oct 2019 00:02

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