Physics
Scientific paper
Mar 1996
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1996lpi....27..389g&link_type=abstract
Lunar and Planetary Science, volume 27, page 389
Physics
1
Angles: Wetting, Cores: Formation, Differentiation, Melts: Sulfide, Percolation: Melt
Scientific paper
Core formation processes are controlled by the mobility of Fe-Ni-S-O liquids in the Earth's upper mantle. Existing experimental data are inconclusive as to whether conditions exist under which olivine/sulfide melt dihedral angles are low enough that sulfide will be mobile in mantle peridotite at small melt fractions. Here we report experiements that investigate the effect of variable fO2/fS2 conditions on olivine/sulfide melt wetting characteristics. Our experimental results demonstrate that the oxygen content of the sulfide melt represents a major control on olivine/sulfide melt interfacial energy. As the O content of the sulfide melt increases the interfacial energy decreases, leading to lower dihedral angles. At fO2/fS2 conditions relevant for the present-day upper mantle the dihedral angle is low enough (53 degrees) that sulfide melt will form an interconnected network at all melt fractions. Therefore, sulfide melt will be able to segregate efficiently from an olivine-rich matrix via porous flow. At fO2/fS2 conditions reducing enough to stablize metal, the olivine/sulfide melt dihedral angle is high (86 degrees). At these conditions a significant amount (~6 vol%) of sulfide will be trapped in isolated pockets, limiting the efficiency of percolation as a transport mechanism.
Gaetani Glenn A.
Grove Timothy L.
No associations
LandOfFree
The Effect of Variable fO2/fS2 Conditions on Wetting Angles in Olivine/Sulfide Melt Aggregates: Mobility of Sulfide Melt in the Earth's Upper Mantle does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with The Effect of Variable fO2/fS2 Conditions on Wetting Angles in Olivine/Sulfide Melt Aggregates: Mobility of Sulfide Melt in the Earth's Upper Mantle, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Effect of Variable fO2/fS2 Conditions on Wetting Angles in Olivine/Sulfide Melt Aggregates: Mobility of Sulfide Melt in the Earth's Upper Mantle will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1611909