Phase transformations in mantle minerals at high pressures and temperatures play a major role in the static and dynamic processes of the Earth's interior, especially in the transition zone from the upper to the lower mantle at depths between 350 and 700 km. This action provides funds for support of research focused on two projects to study the properties and processes associated with these polymorphic phase transformations (1) Pressure dependence of the elastic properties of high-pressure phases; and (2) kinetics and mechanisms of phase transformations. These experiments will be the large-volume, high-pressure facilities of the Stony Brook High Pressure Laboratory.
