In Situ Creep Strength Measurements on Hydrous Wadsleyite at Pressure-Temperature Conditions of the Mantle Transition Zone

Abstract

In situ creep strength measurements on hydrous wadsleyite were conducted at P-T conditions of the mantle transition zone using a deformation-DIA apparatus (D-DIA) and 6-6 type multi-anvil assembly in order to study dynamics at the mantle transition zone. Deformation of wadsleyite was achieved at 15-16 GPa, 1700 K and strain rates of 4-6 x 10^-5 s^-1 to strains of 20-32 %, and our preliminary results suggest that incorporation of water into wadsleyite substantially enhances its plastic deformation.