9316980 Mao The PIs will continue their systematic study of the equations of state and elasticity of Earth Materials with diamond-anvil cells. They will use synchrotron x-ray diffraction techniques to determine lattice parameters and molar volumes, and Brillouin spectroscopy to determine compressional and shear wave velocities, both at high pressure and temperature. With recently established experimental techniques, they will systematically acquire a comprehensive and accurate database representative of realistic Earth compositional models. They will continue to extend experimental capabilities of accurate determinations of elastic properties to higher pressure and temperature, and will conduct reconnaissance experiments at the extreme P-T conditions of the lower mantle and core. The acquired database will be applied to constrain structural, dynamic, and evolutionary models of the Earth's deep interior. ****
