Laboratory Seismology to Unravel Earth’s Mantle Structure and Composition University of Oxford in United Kingdom

The Earth’s lower mantle, from 660 km to 2890 km depth, constitutes more than 60% of Earth’s volume and is the largest geochemical reservoir for many elements. Throughout Earth’s history, substantial amounts of material have been exchanged between the mantle and Earth’s surface and atmosphere, affecting the evolution of Earth’s atmosphere and the habitability of our planet. The lower mantle, linking the liquid outer core to the Earth’s upper mantle, is also a key component controlling mantle dynamics. Quantitative knowledge of the chemistry, mineralogy and temperature of the lower mantle is thus of key importance for interpreting the thermal evolution, geochemical properties, and dynamics of the Earth’s interior.

This project will focus on resolving the impact of mineral phase transitions in Earth’s lower mantle on geophysical observables and Earth’s dynamics (e.g. Immoor et al., 2023; Trautner et al., 2023). The project will employ state-of-the-art laboratory experiments and take advantage of novel experimental capabilities at large-scale synchrotron research facilities (Diamond Light Source, UK and DESY, Germany). The resulting material property predictions will be compared to the seismological record to prospect for signs of phase transitions in the deep mantle. The outcome will be an improved understanding of the current state of the lower mantle and its role in the evolution of our planet.

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