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Seismic anisotropy in the deep mantle could partly be derived from the deformation of hydrous phase D

Seismic anisotropy in the deep mantle could partly be derived from the deformation of hydrous phase D
(a, b) Images show deformation cell assemblage and microstructure of shear-deformed Al bearing-phase D aggregate under 20GPa, 800掳C, conditions of lower mantle transition zone. Large deviation of strain marker and elongated grains indicate that significant strain was applied to the sample. (c) The inverse pole figure suggests that the (0001) lattice plane predominantly aligns in the shear plane after deformation. Credit: Wentian Wu, Ehime University

Shear waves split into fast and slow waves when they travel through elastically anisotropic media, and the anisotropy of the seismic velocity is recorded by seismic stations. In the Earth's deep interior, this is usually interpreted as the effect of crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) of the constituent minerals.

In the uppermost lower mantle, seismic is ubiquitous near subducting slabs, where shear waves with horizontal polarization propagate faster than those with vertical polarization (VSH > VSV).

Phase D, an elastically anisotropic hydrous mineral, is stable around cold subducting slabs at depths of mid mantle, potentially being the source of seismic anisotropy. To investigate this, a team of researchers in Japan performed well-controlled deformation experiments on phase D aggregates under conditions of the lower mantle transition zone.

Seismic anisotropy in the deep mantle could partly be derived from the deformation of hydrous phase D
The calculated seismic anisotropy of deformed phase D is consistent with seismological observations in some cold subduction zones in the mid-mantle, where VSH > VSV. Blue dotted lines indicate horizontal or nearly slab-parallel propagation of shear-waves. Credit: Wentian Wu, Ehime University

The uniaxial and simple shear deformation experiments were conducted on Mg-endmember phase D and Al-bearing phase D aggregates at 20GPa and 500鈥1,000掳C. Strong (0001) fabrics were observed in both uniaxially compressed and simple shear samples.

The results suggest that phase D tends to predominantly glide in (0001) crystallographic planes, developing significant CPO under and high temperature conditions. The seismic anisotropy observed in the mid- in several cold subduction zones can be explained by the deformation of phase D.

More information: Wentian Wu et al, Crystallographic Preferred Orientation of Phase D at High Pressure and Temperature: Implications for Seismic Anisotropy in the Mid鈥怣antle, Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth (2024).

Journal information: Journal of Geophysical Research

Provided by Ehime University

Citation: Seismic anisotropy in the deep mantle could partly be derived from the deformation of hydrous phase D (2024, October 22) retrieved 13 July 2025 from /news/2024-10-seismic-anisotropy-deep-mantle-derived.html
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