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Melting temperatures of MgO under high pressure by micro-texture analysis
T Kimura1,2, H Ohfuji1, M Nishi1,3
1Geodynamics Research Center, Ehime University, Ehime 790-8577, Japan.
Melting temperatures of periclase (MgO) in the lower mantle were underestimated in prior studies. Revised high melting temperatures impact models of subducted slab viscosity and deep magma origins.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Mineral Physics
- High-Pressure Science
Background:
- Periclase (MgO) is a major lower mantle mineral.
- Its melting behavior is key to understanding mantle rheology.
- Discrepancies exist in MgO melting point data.
Purpose of the Study:
- Re-evaluate MgO melting temperatures under lower mantle conditions.
- Clarify discrepancies between experimental methods.
- Constrain lower mantle properties and processes.
Main Methods:
- Re-analysis of laser-heated diamond anvil cell (LHDAC) experiments.
- Micro-texture analysis of quenched samples to identify melting.
- Comparison with dynamic compression and theoretical data.
Main Results:
- Earlier LHDAC melting temperatures for MgO were underestimated.
- Melting misjudgment was due to micro-texture interpretation.
- Revised high melting temperatures for MgO were determined.
Conclusions:
- Subducted cold slabs likely have higher viscosities.
- MgO's textural features may not significantly impede slab stagnation.
- Ultra-deep magmas are predicted to be peridotitic, forming near the core-mantle boundary.
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