The investigators propose to measure (under extreme conditions of pressure and temperature) elastic constants, equations-of-state, and other thermo-physical properties of candidate earth materials. The elastic constants of upper mantle minerals (olivines, pyroxenes and garnets) and the equation of state of water will be measured to 13 GPa and 700 K. Thermal diffusivities in earth materials and other simple substances will be measured at high pressure and temperature. New experimental techniques will be developed to complete and extend the range of experiments possible in this laboratory. This research provides information critical in the interpretation of seismic observations and in validating geodynamic theories for Earth. The ultimate goal is to understand the compositional, thermal, and dynamical state of Earth's deep interior in order to understand its future evolution.
