LDEO Earth Science Colloquium presents:
Simulations of Earth and super-Earth’s mantle minerals: new phases and new physics
Renata M. M. Wentzcovitch, Professor, Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics; Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences; Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory.
ABSTRACT:
Materials simulations at planetary interior conditions have contributed greatly in the last two decades to the integration of mineral physics, geodynamics, and seismology in geophysics. They have also revealed novel mineral phases of larger terrestrial planets and associated novel physical properties. In this talk, I will review recent progress in understanding properties of lower mantle phases that are helping the interpretation of seismic tomographic images of this region. I will also review the current understanding of super-Earth’s mantle silicates. Despite the ultra-high pressures required for their synthesis, predictions of these novel structural sequences have been confirmed in low pressure analogs, validating these forecasts and giving a glimpse of these large terrestrial mantles’ structure.
The Earth Science Colloquium Series, sponsored by Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Columbia University Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DEES), provides a lively forum for discussing a wide variety of topics within the Earth sciences and related fields. Colloquia are attended by the full range of scientific and technical staff at LDEO. Colloquium attendance is required of all pre-orals DEES graduate students. The Colloquium Series supports the Lamont Seminar Diversity Initiative.
