First Principles Investigations of the Hydrous Minerals in the Earth's Deep Interior

Abstract

It has been frequently shown that water has important effects on the dynamics of deep Earth interiors. In order to know how water is transported into the Earth's deep interiors and estimate the effects of water on the dynamics, we have been investigating the hydrous minerals under lower mantle conditions. Our first principles calculations have successfully predicted the existence of new hydrous minerals under extreme high pressure conditions. These new hydrous phases suggest the possibility of the transportation of water into the deepest part of Earth's mantle.