Experimental determination of acoustic wave velocities at Earth mantle conditions using a multianvil press

A method is being developed to determine acoustic wave velocities in polycrystalline samples at pressures and temperatures relevant to the Earth's upper mantle in a multianvil apparatus. Using this technique compressional and shear waves can be measured simultaneously resulting in a higher accu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physics and chemistry of the earth 1997, Vol.22 (1-2), p.125-130
Main Authors: Knoche, R., Webb, S.L., Rubie, D.C.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:A method is being developed to determine acoustic wave velocities in polycrystalline samples at pressures and temperatures relevant to the Earth's upper mantle in a multianvil apparatus. Using this technique compressional and shear waves can be measured simultaneously resulting in a higher accuracy of the determined velocities. Acoustic velocities measured in situ in the laboratory can thus be compared directly with observed seismic velocities without the need for the large extrapolations in pressure and/or temperature which have previously been necessary. In initial experiments the velocities of compressional waves have been determined in samples of hot-pressed polycrystalline San Carlos olivine (Mg1.8Fe0.2SiO4) up to 10.5 GPa and 1773K. Further applications of this technique will enable mineralogical models of the Earth's interior to be greatly improved.
ISSN:0079-1946
1879-3568
DOI:10.1016/S0079-1946(97)00088-8