9417706 Walker The aim of this research project is to reach an understanding of planetary differentiation by igneous processes. Methods of study to be used include melting and/or dehydration experiments, petrographic and microprobe studies and theoretical and numerical modeling. Projects to be undertaken include: (a) exploration of liquid compositional dependence of the partitioning of siderophile elements between metal and silicate liquids - relative to planetary core formation's impact upon mantle siderophile element abundances, (b) development of a P-T-X saturation model for natural liquids in equilibrium with garnet-structured crystals, and (c) improvement of the doping properties, reliability, and availability of the LaCrO3 semiconductor heaters - relevant to the needs of this study and a wider community for methods of improved experimental heating with low thermal gradients.
