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Updated: Jan 8, 2026

Simulation of the Planetary Interior Differentiation Processes in the Laboratory
Published on: November 15, 2013
Substantial water retained early in Earth's deep mantle
Wenhua Lu1,2, Ya-Nan Yang1,2, Tao Long3
1State Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Processes and Resources, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China.
Early Earth
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Mineral Physics
- Planetary Science
Background:
- Earth's water acquisition occurred during early, molten stages via impacts.
- Mechanisms for water retention and distribution in the crystallizing mantle are unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate water partitioning between bridgmanite and melt under high pressure.
- Determine how temperature affects water incorporation into the primary mantle mineral.
Main Methods:
- Systematic high-pressure experiments.
- Analysis of water partitioning coefficients.
Main Results:
- Water partitioning into bridgmanite significantly increases with temperature.
- Suggests substantial water retention in the lower mantle post-crystallization.
Conclusions:
- Early-stored water in the lower mantle could influence mantle convection.
- Potentially played a role in Earth's transition to a habitable planet.
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