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Phase Transitions in Mantle Rocks

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High-Pressure Silicates and Oxides

Part of the book series: Advances in Geological Science ((AGS))

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Abstract

Phase transitions of silicates and oxides relevant to the Earth’s mantle have been discussed in previous chapters. In this chapter, we focus on phase transitions in mantle rocks and related materials. Pyrolite represents the average upper mantle composition. Oceanic lithospheres subducting into the deep mantle have a layered structure consisting of overlying basaltic crust, residual harzburgite, and depleted pyrolite from top to bottom. The phase transition behaviors of basalt, harzburgite and pyrolite are significantly different, which results in density differences among the rocks. The density differences lead to the subduction or stagnation of basaltic crust and harzburgite in the transition zone and the lower mantle. In addition, phase transitions in subducted continental crust materials are described. The post-perovskite transition in the lowermost mantle is discussed in the final section.

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  1. Department of Chemistry, Gakushuin University, Tokyo, Japan

    Masaki Akaogi

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Correspondence to Masaki Akaogi .

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Akaogi, M. (2022). Phase Transitions in Mantle Rocks. In: High-Pressure Silicates and Oxides. Advances in Geological Science. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-6363-6_10

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