Quantum-beam Earth Science and Technology, QuEST

Water covers about 70% of the Earth’s surface, and subducting slabs bring some of it into to the mantle. Water can exist as several forms in the high-pressure and -temperature conditions, and I focus on hydrous phases (minerals) out of them. ε-FeOOH, a hydrous phase, have been suggested to carry water into the lower mantle, though most of hydrous phases decompose and release water at such extreme conditions. I have been working on experimental measurements of physical properties of the phase, such as sound velocity, in order to clarify the behavior in the mantle.