Effect of cation substitution on bridgmanite elasticity: A key to interpret seismic anomalies in the lower mantle

Sci Rep. 2016 Sep 19:6:33337. doi: 10.1038/srep33337.

Abstract

Seismological observations show that, in some regions of the lower mantle, an increase in bulk sound velocity, interestingly, occurs in the same volume where there is a decrease in shear velocity. We show that this anti-correlated behavior occurs on cation substitution in bridgmanite by making single crystal elasticity measurements of MgSiO3 and (Mg,Fe,Al)(Si,Al)O3 using inelastic x-ray scattering in the ambient conditions. Cation substitution of ferrous iron and aluminum may explain large low shear velocity provinces in the lower mantle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't