Exploration of the Earth's Interior Using Kawai-Type Apparatus

Abstract

In this article, development of Kawai-type of high-pressure apparatus is described. Versatile application of this apparatus to solid Earth science is demonstrated by elucidating the characteristics of the 660 km discontinuity and formation of the lower mantle. Recently the maximum attainable pressure in Kawai-type apparatus has been extended to 63 GPa by adopting sintered diamond as the anvil material. Therefore, phase equilibrium and melting experiments of Earth materials have been carried out to conditions deep into the lower mantle. The results will substantially advance our understanding of the structure and evolution of the Earth.