Pressure dependence of the elastic constants of nonmetamict zircon

The single crystal elastic constants of nonmetamict zircons have been measured as a function of pressure to 12 kb at room temperature and also as a function of temperature between 25 and 300° C at atmospheric pressure. The pressure derivatives of the elastic constants are: C ₁₁=10.78, C ₃₃=5.88, C ₄₄=0.99, C ₆₆=?0.31, C ₁₂=3.24, C ₁₃=6.20. The anomalous negative behaviour of C ₆₆ versus pressure could be associated with a high pressure phase transition. The pressure and temperature derivatives of the isotropic elastic wave velocities and elastic moduli for nonmetamict zircon are calculated from the present single crystal data by the Voigt, Ruess, and Hill approximations and compared with the values of some other oxides and silicates. The pressure derivative of the isotropic adiabatic bulk modulus is relatively high (dK _S/dP=6.50), and the pressure derivative of the shear modulus is relatively low, (dG/dP=0.78), compared to the corresponding values for some other oxides and silicates. The Debye temperature, ?_D, and the high temperature limit of the Grüneisen parameter, γ_Ht, calculated from the elastic constants and their pressure derivatives, agrees well with the Debye temperature and the thermal Grüneisen parameter, γ_th, calculated from the thermal expansion, heat capacity, and compressibility data.     

Thermal properties of forsterite at mantle pressures derived from vibrational spectroscopy

The pressure dependence of the Raman spectrum of forsterite was measured over its entire frequency range to over 200 kbar. The shifts of the Raman modes were used to calculate the pressure dependence of the heat capacity, C _v, and entropy, S, by using statistical thermodynamics of the lattice vibrations. Using the pressure dependence of C _v and other previously measured thermodynamic parameters, the thermal expansion coefficient, α, at room temperature was calculated from α = K _S (?T/?P) _S C _V/TVK _T, which yields a constant value of (? ln α/? ln V)_T= 6.1(5) for forsterite to 10% compression. This value is in agreement with (? ln α/? ln V)_T for a large variety of materials. At 91 kbar, the compression mechanism of the forsterite lattice abruptly changes causing a strong decrease of the pressure derivative of 6 Raman modes accompanied by large reductions in the intensities of all of the modes. This observation is in agreement with single crystal x-ray diffraction studies to 150 kbar and is interpreted as a second order phase transition.     

The extrapolation of elastic moduli to high pressure and temperature

The elastic constants of a crystal under stress, defined as the second derivative of the crystal free energy with respect to strain, require a correction related to the static pressure at non-zero pressures. The corrections required for the elastic constants calculated by the free energy minimisation code PARAPOCS are described and tested by comparison with the elastic constants calculated numerically by applying small stresses in the appropriate orientations to simulated crystals of fluorite, forsterite, α-quartz and albite. The corrected elastic constants are then used to investigate the extrapolation of the bulk and shear moduli (and hence also the seismic wave velocities V _p and V _s) of β-spinel and forsterite to upper mantle pressures. A Murnaghan equation, thirdorder Eulerian finite strain equation, second order polynomial equation and a logistic equation were all fitted to the simulated bulk and shear moduli between 0 and 3 GPa pressure. The parameters derived for these equations are used to extrapolate the bulk and shear moduli to 14 GPa and the results are compared to the simulated high pressure moduli. Over this pressure range, the second order polynomial provides the best extrapolation of the bulk modulus, but the use of the logistic equation results in the best extrapolation of the shear modulus.     

On the crystal structure and compressional behavior of talc: a mineral of interest in petrology and material science

The crystal structure of a natural triclinic talc (1Tc polytype) [with composition: (Mg_2.93Fe_0.06)_Σ2.99(Al_0.02Si_3.97)_Σ3.99O₁₀(OH)_2.10] has been investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 223 and 170 K and by single-crystal neutron diffraction at 20 K. Both the anisotropic X-ray refinements (i.e. at 223 and 170 K) show that the two independent tetrahedra are only slightly distorted. For the two independent Mg-octahedra, the bond distances between cation-hydroxyl groups are significantly shorter than the others. The ditrigonal rotation angle of the six-membered ring of tetrahedra is modest (α ~ 4°). The neutron structure refinement shows that the hydrogen-bonding scheme in talc consists of one donor site and three acceptors (i.e. trifurcated configuration), all the bonds having O···O ≤ 3.38 Å, H···O ~ 2.8 Å, and O–H···O ~ 111–116°. The three acceptors belong to the six-membered ring of tetrahedra juxtaposed to the octahedral sheet. The vibrational regime of the proton site appears being only slightly anisotropic. The elastic behavior of talc was investigated by means of in situ synchrotron single-crystal diffraction up to 16 GPa (at room temperature) using a diamond anvil cell. No evidence of phase transition has been observed within the pressure range investigated. P–V data fit, with an isothermal third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state, results as follows: V ₀ = 454.7(10) Å³, K _T0 = 56(3) GPa, and K′ = 5.4(7). The “Eulerian finite strain” versus “normalized stress” plot yields: Fe(0) = 56(2) GPa and K′ = 5.3(5). The compressional behavior of talc is strongly anisotropic, as reflected by the axial compressibilities (i.e. β(a):β(b):β(c) = 1.03:1:3.15) as well as by the magnitude and orientation of the unit-strain ellipsoid (with ε ₁:ε ₂:ε ₃ = 1:1.37:3.21). A comparison between the elastic parameters of talc obtained in this study with those previously reported is carried out.     

Effect of high-low quartz transition on compressional and shear wave velocities in rocks under high pressure

The compressional and shear wave velocities in quarzite, granite, and granulite are determined at a fixed confining pressure of 2 kb as a function of temperature up to 720° C. The high-low quartz transition of the constituent quartz minerals is associated with a pronounced decrease in velocity of the compressional waves when approaching the transition and with a significant velocity increase after the transition. In contrast, the effect of the α-β transition on shear wave velocities is small. The drop of V _P is explained by the elastic softening of structure of the constituent quartz minerals near the α-β transition and the opening of grain-boundary cracks, caused by the very high volumetric thermal expansion of the quartz relative to the other component minerals. The velocity increase in the β-field may be attributed to an elastic hardening of the quartz structure. Poisson ratios computed from the velocity data are anomalous for a solid: they become negative within the transition regime. The transition temperature, as indicated by the minimum velocities, is higher in the polycristalline rocks than is expected on grounds of single crystal behavior, and the discrepancy is more marked in granite than in quartzite. The shift of the transition temperature to higher values is explained by internal stresses that arise from the anisotropy of the thermal expansion and compressibility of individual grains and the differences in thermal expansion and compressibility between different component minerals. The role of the α-β quartz transition as a possible cause of low-velocity layers is discussed.     

High-pressure X-ray study of LiCrSi2O6 clinopyroxene and the general compressibility trends for Li-clinopyroxenes

High-pressure single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements of synthetic LiCrSi₂O₆ clinopyroxene (with space group P2₁/c) were performed in a diamond-anvil cell up to 7.970 GPa. No phase transition has been observed within the pressure range investigated, but the elastic behavior at lower pressures (up to ~2.5 GPa) is affected by an anomalous softening due to the proximity of the phase transition to the HT-C2/c phase at 330 K and at ambient pressure. A third-order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state fitted to the compression data above 2.5 GPa yields a bulk modulus K _T0 = 93(2) GPa and its first derivative K′ = 8.8(6). The structural data measured up to 7.970 GPa confirm that the space group P2₁/c is maintained throughout the whole pressure range investigated. The atomic parameters, obtained from the integrated diffraction intensities, suggest that the Li coordination polyhedron changes its coordination number from 5 to 6 at 6–7 GPa by means of the approach of the bridging O atom, related to the increased kinking of the B tetrahedral chain. Furthermore, at higher pressures, the structural evolution of LiCrSi₂O₆ provides evidence in the variation of kinking angles and bond lengths of a potential phase transition above 8 GPa to the HP-C2/c space group. A comparison of the Li-clinopyroxenes (M1 = Cr, Al, Sc, Ga, Mg + Fe) previously investigated and our sample shows that their elastic behavior and structural mechanisms of compression are analogous.     

Temperature variation of elastic constants of quartz across the α - β transition

The α − β transition of quartz was successfully observed with using a single sample by means of the rectangular parallelepiped resonance (RPR) method. An oriented rectangular parallelepiped of α-quartz single crystal was prepared and the resonant frequencies of 30–11 vibrational modes were measured from room temperature to 700°C. The softening of quartz crystal was observed as the significant reduction of resonant frequencies near the α–β transition. The present study is the first application of the RPR method to the study of phase transition. The complete set of elastic constants of α- and β-quartz were determined as a function of temperature by the least-squares inversion of the measured frequency data obtained by a single run. This is a merit yielded by the RPR method. It is shown near the α − β transition in both α- and β-quartz that the elastic parameters decrease proportionally to |T−T ₀|⁻ⁿ , where T is temperature and T ₀ is the transition temperature, 573.0°C for α-quartz and 574.3°C for β-quartz. It was also seen that linear incompressibilities K ₁ = (C ₁₁ +C ₁₂ +C ₁₃)/3 and K ₃ = (C ₃₃ +2C ₁₃)/3 decrease rapidly toward the transition, whereas, shear moduli C ₄₄, C _S1 = (C ₁₁ +C ₃₃ -2C ₁₃)/4 and C _S3 = (C ₁₁ -C ₁₂)/2 = C ₆₆ decrease only slightly. The shear modulus C _S3 = C ₆₆ increased slightly in α-quartz. The elastic properties of isotropic aggregate of quartz were calculated, and it is shown that the longitudinal wave velocity significantly decreases at the α − β transition, whereas, the shear wave velocity decreases only slightly.     

Protoliths and phase petrology of whiteschists

Whiteschists appear in numerous high- and ultrahigh-pressure rock suites and are characterized by the mineral assemblage kyanite + talc (+-quartz or coesite). We demonstrate that whiteschist mineral assemblages are well stable up to pressures of more than 4 GPa but may already form at pressures of 0.5 GPa. The formation of whiteschists largely depends on the composition of the protolith, which requires elevated contents of Al and Mg as well as low Fe, Ca, and Na contents, as otherwise chloritoid, amphibole, feldspar, or omphacite are formed instead of kyanite or talc. Furthermore, the stability field of the whiteschist mineral assemblage strongly depends on XCO₂ and fO₂: already at low values of XCO₂, CO₂ binds Mg to carbonates strongly reducing the whiteschist stability field, whereas high fO₂ enlarges the stability field and stabilizes yoderite. Thus, the scarcity of whiteschist is not necessarily due to unusual P–T conditions, but to the restricted range of suitable protolith compositions and the spatial distribution of these protoliths: (1) continental sedimentary rocks and (2) hydrothermally and metasomatically altered felsic to mafic rocks. The continental sedimentary rocks that may produce whiteschist mineral assemblages typically have been deposited under arid climatic conditions in closed evaporitic basins and may be restricted to relatively low latitudes. These rocks often contain large amounts of the clay minerals palygorskite and sepiolite. Marine sediments generally do not yield whiteschist mineral assemblages as marine shales commonly have too high iron contents. Sabkha deposits may have too high CO₂ contents. Protoliths of appropriate geochemical composition occur in and on continental crust. Therefore, whiteschist assemblages typically are only found in settings of continental collision or where continental fragments were involved in subduction. Our calculations demonstrate that whiteschists can form by closed-system metamorphism, which implies that the chemical and isotopic composition of these rocks provide constraints on the development of the protoliths.     

Geochemistry, petrofabrics and seismic properties of eclogites from the Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling boreholes in the Sulu UHP terrane, eastern China

We present an integrated study of geochemistry, petrofabrics and seismic properties of strongly sheared eclogites from the Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling (CCSD) project in the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic terrane, eastern China. First, geochemical data characterize diverse protoliths of the studied eclogites. The positive Eu- and Sr-anomalies, negative Nb anomaly and flat portion of heavy rare earth elements in coarse-grained rutile eclogites (samples B270 and B295) suggest a cumulate origin in the continental crust, whereas the negative Nb anomaly and enrichment of light rare earth elements in retrograde eclogites (samples B504, B15 and B19) imply an origin of continental basalts or island arc basalts. Second, P-wave velocities (V_p) of three typical eclogite samples were measured under confining pressures up to 500 MPa and temperatures to 700 °C. At 500 MPa and room temperature, the mean V_p reaches 8.50-8.53 km/s in samples B270 and B295 but drops to 7.86 km/s in sample B504, and the P-wave anisotropy changes from 1.7-2.7% to 5.5%, respectively. The pressure and temperature derivatives of V_p are larger in the retrograde eclogite than in fresh ones. Third, the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements of the eclogites reveal random crystal preferred orientation (CPO) of garnet and pronounced CPO of omphacite, which is characterized by a strong concentration of [001]-axes sub-parallel to the lineation and of (010)-poles perpendicular to the foliation. The asymmetric CPO of omphacite in sample B270 recorded a top-to-the-south shear event during subduction of the Yangtze plate. The calculated fastest V_p is generally sub-parallel to the lineation, but a different deformation environment during exhumation could form second-order variations in omphacite CPO and affect the V_p distribution in eclogites (e.g., the fastest V_p is at ~ 35° from the foliation in sample B295). Comparison between measured and calculated seismic properties indicates that the CPO of omphacite controls the seismic anisotropy of eclogites at high pressure, and compositional layering and retrograde minerals will increase the anisotropy. Calculated P-wave velocities agree well with velocities measured at 500 MPa and room temperature for fresh eclogites, but much higher than those of retrograde eclogite. As a case study, the laboratory-derived V_p-P and V_p-T relationships were used to estimate P-wave velocities of eclogites and peridotites beneath the Western Superior Province, Canada. The results indicate that besides the fabric-induced anisotropy, the direction dependence of pressure and temperature derivatives of V_p can significantly increase seismic anisotropy of eclogites with depth, which results in eclogites being an important candidate for the seismic anisotropy in the upper mantle. Due to their very high density and velocity, garnet-rich eclogites within peridotite could be detected in seismic reflections in subduction zones.     

Strain geometry,microstructure and metamorphism in the dextral transpressional Mubarak Shear Belt,Central Eastern Desert,Egypt

Mubarak shear belt provides an opportunity to investigate quantitative finite strain (Rs), proportions of pure shear and simple shear components, sense of shear indicators, subhorizontal to steeply plunging mineral lineations, in a dextral transpressional zone. The structural style of the Mubarak shear belt is consistent with dextral transpression within the Central Eastern Desert where dextral and reverse shear have developed simultaneously with the regional foliation. The high strain zone of the Mubarak shear belt is characterized by steeply dipping foliation with sub-horizontal stretching lineation (simple shear) surrounded by thrust imbrications with slightly plunging stretching lineations. Strain estimates from the Mubarak shear belt are used to determine how pure and simple shear components of deformation are partitioned. The axial ratios in XZ sections range from 1.16 to 2.33 with the maximum stretch, S _X , ranges from 1.06 to 1.48. The minimum stretch, S _Z , ranges from 0.65 to 0.92 indicating a moderate variation in vertical shortening. Volcaniclastic metasediments and metagabbros were subjected to prograde low-grade regional metamorphism in the range of greenschist to lower amphibolite facies (450–650°C at 2–4 kbar). Medium pressure (6–8 kbar at 530°C) was estimated from the high strain zone within the dextral strike-slip shear zones. Retrograde metamorphism occurred at a temperature range of 250–280°C. There is a trend towards decreasing the ratio of 100Mg/(Mg + Fe_tot + Mn) away from the high strain zone of the Mubarak shear belt. Integrated strain and temperature estimates indicate that the simple shear (non-coaxial) components of deformation played a significant role in formation and exhumation of the Mubarak shear belt during the accumulation of finite strain and consequently during progressive transpression and thrusting.     

Quintinite-1<Emphasis Type="Italic">M</Emphasis> from the Mariinsky Deposit,Ural Emerald Mines,Central Urals,Russia

The paper describes the first finding of quintinite [Mg₄Al₂(OH)₁₂][(CO₃)(H₂O)₃] at the Mariinsky deposit in the Central Urals, Russia. The mineral occurs as white tabular crystals in cavities within altered gabbro in association with prehnite, calcite, and a chlorite-group mineral. Quintinite is the probable result of late hydrothermal alteration of primary mafic and ultramafic rocks hosting emerald-bearing glimmerite. According to electron microprobe data, the Mg: Al ratio is ~2: 1. IR spectroscopy has revealed hydroxyl and carbonate groups and H₂O molecules in the mineral. According to single crystal XRD data, quintinite is monoclinic, space group C2/m, a =5.233(1), b = 9.051(2), c = 7.711(2) Å, β = 103.09(3)°, V = 355.7(2) ų. Based on structure refinement, the polytype of quintinite should be denoted as 1M. This is the third approved occurrence of quintinite-1M in the world after the Kovdor complex and Bazhenovsky chrysotile–asbestos deposit.     

Are S–C structures,duplexes and conjugate shear zones different manifestations of the same scale-invariant phenomenon?

By measuring S spacing, C spacing and the S–C angle (α) in deformed rocks, this paper investigates the geometry of previously published examples of S–C and S–C-like structures on a scale range between micrometres and several hundred kilometres. The results indicate that common S–C fabrics of thin-section, hand-specimen and outcrop scale, and conjugate fault/mylonite zones of map scale define a simple function C_spacing=2S_spacing, which depicts a scale-invariant geometry over ten orders of magnitude. Logarithmic plots of cumulative frequency suggest that the S–C fractal set (D=0.13) is restricted to the scale range between 600–800 μm and 1 km where genuine S–C structures, characterized by antithetic shear on the S planes, can be formed. Below 600–800 μm, grain scale processes seem to influence the development of S–C structures. Above the upper limit (1 km), only S–C-like structures with duplex kinematics (synthetic shear on S planes) occur. The S–C and S–C–C′ fractals are envisaged as self-similar structures where the foliations work as both S or C planes, depending on which scale is considered.     

Surface wave studies for shear wave velocity and bedrock depth estimation over basalts

Shear wave velocity (V _S) estimation is of paramount importance in earthquake hazard assessment and other geotechnical/geo engineering studies. In our study, the shear wave velocity was estimated from ground roll using multichannel analysis of surface wave (MASW) technique making use of dispersive characteristics of Rayleigh type surface waves followed by imaging the shallow subsurface basaltic layers in an earthquake-prone region near Jabalpur, India. The reliability of MASW depends on the accurate determination of phase velocities for horizontally traveling fundamental mode Rayleigh waves. Inversion of data from surface waves resulted in a shear wave velocity (V _S) in the range of 200–1,200 m/s covering the top soil to weathering and up to bedrock corresponding to a depth of 10–30 m. The P-wave velocity (V _P) obtained from refraction seismic studies at these locations found to be comparable with V _S at an assumed specific Poisson’s ratio. A pair of selected set of V _S profiles over basalt which did not result in a hazardous situation in an earthquake of moderate magnitude are presented here as a case study; in other words, the shear wave velocity range of more than 200 m/s indicate that the area is highly unlikely prone to liquefaction during a moderate or strong earthquake. The estimated depth to basalt is found to be 10–12 m in both the cases which is also supported by refraction studies.     

Sound velocity and density of liquid Ni68S32 under pressure using ultrasonic and X-ray absorption with tomography methods

A new experimental setup for simultaneous P-wave velocity (V_P) and density (ρ) measurements for liquid alloys is developed using ultrasonic and X-ray absorption methods combined with X-ray tomography at high pressures and high temperatures. The new setup allows us to directly determine adiabatic bulk moduli (K_S) and to discuss the correlation between the V_P and ρ of the liquid sample. We measured V_P and ρ of liquid Ni₆₈S₃₂ up to 5.6 GPa and 1045 K using this technique. The effect of pressure on the V_P and ρ values of liquid Ni₆₈S₃₂ is similar to that of liquid Fe₅₇S₄₃. (Both compositions correspond to near-eutectic ones.) The obtained K_S values are well fitted to the finite strain equation with a $K_{{\text{S}}_0}$ value (K_S at ambient pressure) of 31.1 GPa and a dK_S/dP value of 8.44. The measured V_P was found to increase linearly with increasing ρ, as approximated by the relationship: V_P [m/s] = 1.29 ρ [kg/m³] – 5726, suggesting that liquid Ni–S follows an empirical linear relationship, Birch's law. The dV_P/dρ slope is similar between Ni₆₈S₃₂ and Fe₅₇S₄₃ liquids, while the V_P–ρ plot of liquid Ni–S is markedly different from that of liquid Fe–S, which indicates that the effect of Ni on Birch's law is important for understanding the V_P–ρ relation of planetary and Moon's molten cores.     

Anharmonic effect on the equation of state (EoS) for NaCl

We find clear intrinsic anharmonicity in the NaCl-B1 phase by examining the equation of state (EoS) based on previous ultrasonic velocity data for pressures up to 0.8 GPa and temperatures up to 800 K. The experimental EoS for this phase shows that its specific heat at constant volume (C _V ) is significantly smaller than that based on a harmonic model. Also, the sign of $\left( {{{\partial C_{V} } \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\partial C_{V} } {\partial P}}} \right. \kern-0pt} {\partial P}}} \right)_{T} ,$ which is normally negative in the quasi-harmonic approximation, is unexpectedly positive. The thermodynamic Grüneisen parameter (γ), which has frequently been assumed to be a single-variable function of molar volume, shows not only volume dependence but also negative temperature dependence. To understand these features of C _V and γ, we introduce a thermodynamic model including positive quartic anharmonicity. To make an anharmonic model advancing the ordinarily quasi-harmonic approximation model, we introduce two parameters: anharmonic characteristic temperature (θ _a ) and its volume derivative. In the anharmonic model, the value of C _V is calculated along an isochore using classical statistical mechanics and a harmonic quantum correction. At high temperatures, the decrease in C _V from the Dulong-Petit limit is related to the value of T/θ _a . For infinitely large θ _a , the system is approximately quasi-harmonic. The temperature dependence of γ is related to C _V by the thermodynamic identity $\left( {{{\partial C_{V} } \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\partial C_{V} } {\partial \ln V}}} \right. \kern-0pt} {\partial \ln V}}} \right)_{T} = C_{V} \left( {{{\partial \gamma } \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\partial \gamma } {\partial \ln T}}} \right. \kern-0pt} {\partial \ln T}}} \right)_{V} + \gamma \left( {{{\partial C_{V} } \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\partial C_{V} } {\partial \ln T}}} \right. \kern-0pt} {\partial \ln T}}} \right)_{V}.$ Even though our modification of the quasi-harmonic approximation is simple, our anharmonic model succeeds in reproducing the experimental γ and C _V simultaneously for the NaCl-B1 phase.     

High-temperature thermal expansion and elasticity of calcium-rich garnets

We present new high temperature elasticity data on two grossular garnet specimens. One specimen is single-crystal, of nearly endmember grossular, the other is polycrystalline with about 22% molar andradite. Our data extend the high temperature regime for which any garnet elasticity data are available from 1000 to 1350 K and the compositional range of temperature data to near endmember grossular. We also present new data on the thermal expansivity of calcium-rich garnet. We find virtually no discernable differences in the temperatureT derivatives at ambient conditions of the isotropic bulkK _S and shearμ moduli when comparing our results between these two specimens. These calcium-rich garnets have the lowest values of ¦(?K _S /?T) _P ¦ = (1.47,1.49) x 10^-2GPa/K, and among the highest values of ¦(?μ/?T) _P ¦ = 1.25 x 10^-2GPa/K, when compared with other garnets. Small, but measurable, nonlinear temperature dependences of most of the elastic moduli are observed. Several dimensionless parameters are computed with the new data and used to illustrate the effects of different assumptions on elastic equations of state extra-polated to high temperatures. We discuss how dimensionless parameters and other systematic considerations can be useful in estimating the temperature dependence of some properties of garnet phases for which temperature data are not yet available. While we believe it is premature to quantitatively predict the temperature variation ofK _S andμ for majorite garnets, our results have bearing on the amount of diopside required to explain the shear velocity gradients in Earth's transition zone.     

On velocity anomalies beneath southeastern China: An investigation combining mineral physics studies and seismic tomography observations

Seismic tomography studies reveal distinct velocity and V_P/V_S anomalies in the mantle transition zone (MTZ) beneath the Yangtze Craton and Cathaysia Block in southeastern China. The anomalies under the Yangtze Craton are characterized by high velocity (both V_P and V_S) and low V_P/V_S ratio, while those beneath the Cathaysia Block are characterized by low velocity (especially V_S) and high V_P/V_S ratio. Here, we conduct analyses of phase relations and thermoelasticity to model the effects of thermal and chemical homogeneities in the MTZ, by taking advantage of recent simultaneous V_P and V_S seismic tomography results under southeastern China. We attempt to quantify the seismic tomography results and examine the effects of temperature, chemical composition, and water (or protonization) on velocity anomalies in the deep mantle. We find V_P/V_S to be a powerful parameter in distinguishing the various effects of temperature, chemical composition, and protonization. We conclude that an ancient stagnated oceanic slab is most likely the main cause of the observed fast velocity and low V_P/V_S anomalies in the MTZ under the Yangtze Craton. This ancient slab material is most likely a product of paleo Pacific subduction around 100–125 Ma ago, when the oceanic plate abruptly changed its direction of motion. Such an event has been shown to be closely related to the magmatic activities around eastern China, the ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism zone between the Yangtze Craton and the North China Craton, and the destruction of the lower crust of the North China Craton. The anomalies under the Cathaysia Block, on the other hand, are likely due to dehydration-induced partial melting of subducted Pacific slab materials. Here the large low V_S anomaly in MTZ coincides with the extensive Mesozoic to Cenozoic igneous features on the surface, suggesting a state with lower viscosities in the upper mantle. Dehydration-induced partial melting in MTZ may have also promoted deformation of the South China fold belt. Our results suggest that these lithospheric processes are directly related to the tectonic interaction between the oceanic and continental plates in southeastern China and that a better understanding of past deep mantle dynamic processes may place important constraints on the evolution of the cratons in China.     

Variation of the elastic constants of tourmaline with chemical composition

Elastic wave velocities and lattice parameters of five tourmaline specimens with different chemical compositions have been measured. The piezoelectric effects on the elastic constants have been found to be small and can be neglected. Variations of the elastic wave velocities and elastic constants of the different tourmaline specimens indicate that: (i) partial substitution of Al by Fe in the structure decreases the shear wave velocities, (ii) replacement of Na by Ca increases the resistance of the structure against shear deformation involving C ₆₆, (iii) replacement of Al by Mg seems to decrease the resistance of the structure against longitudinal deformation involving C ₃₃. Elastic constants C ₁₁, C ₃₃, C ₄₄ and C ₆₆ of the different tourmaline specimens used in this study differ individually by 1.7 percent to 6.7 percent, indicating that the large differences (up to 21%) between the values reported by previous authors cannot be explained in terms of the chemical composition alone.     

A thermodynamic theory of the Grüneisen ratio at extreme conditions: MgO as an example

The Grüneisen ratio, γ, is defined as γy=αK _TV/C_v. The volume dependence of γ(V) is solved for a wide range in temperature. The volume dependence of αK _T is solved from the identity (? ln(αK _T)/? ln V)T ≡ δ _T-K′. α is the thermal expansivity; K _T is the bulk modulus; C _V is specific heat; and δ _Tand K′ are dimensionless thermoelastic constants. The approach is to find values of δ _T and K′, each as functions of T and V. We also solve for q=(? ln γ/? ln V) where q=δ _T -K′+ 1-(? ln C _V/? ln V)T. Calculations are taken down to a compression of 0.6, thus covering all possible values pertaining to the earth's mantle, q=? ln γ/? ln V; δ _T=? ln α/? ln V; and K′= (?K _T/?P)T. New experimental information related to the volume dependence of δ _T, q, K′ and C _V was used. For MgO, as the compression, η=V/V ₀, drops from 1.0 to 0.7 at 2000 K, the results show that q drops from 1.2 to about 0.8; δ _T drops from 5.0 to 3.2; δ _T becomes slightly less than K′; ? ln C _V/? In V→0; and γ drops from 1.5 to about 1. These observations are all in accord with recent laboratory data, seismic observations, and theoretical results.