Influence of water on mineralogy of the lower mantle

Ferropericlase (Fp) and bridgmanite (Brg) are the dominant minerals of the Earth’s lower mantle. Recent discoveries on the deep-water cycle demonstrate that water can be delivered to the deepest portions of the lower mantle. Even though Fp and Brg have been intensively investigated over the last decades, our current knowledge on high-pressure (HP)-high-temperature (HT) reactions of Fp and Brg with water is very limited. In order to provide a comprehensive picture on Fp-H2O and Brg-H2O interactions at HP-HT conditions of the lower mantle, we propose to continue our multi-methodological studies employing both in situ powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) and in situ Synchrotron Mössbauer Source (SMS) at pressures above 70 GPa.