New MgSiO_{4}H_{2} Phases as Potential Primary Water Carriers into the Deep Earth.

Phys Rev Lett

Key Laboratory of Material Simulation Methods and Software of Ministry of Education, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.

Published: November 2024

Dense hydrous magnesium silicate MgSiO_{4}H_{2} is widely regarded as a primary water carrier into the deep Earth. However, the stability fields of MgSiO_{4}H_{2} based on the prevailing structure model are narrower than experimental results at relevant pressure and temperature (P-T) conditions, casting doubts about this prominent mineral as a water carrier into the great depths of the Earth. Here, we report on an advanced structure search that identifies two new crystal structures, denoted as α- and β-MgSiO_{4}H_{2}, that are stable over unprecedentedly wide P-T conditions of 17-68 GPa and up to 1860 K, covering the entire experimentally determined range. Moreover, we performed x-ray diffraction measurements with backscattering electron image, combined with ab initio simulations, to demonstrate the formation of MgSiO_{4}H_{2} and AlOOH solid solutions that exhibit further enhanced P-T stability fields, making them robust carriers of water into the deepest lower mantle. These findings establish and elucidate the new MgSiO_{4}H_{2} phases as potential primary water carriers into the vast depths of the lower mantle, creating a distinct paradigm for the deep Earth water cycle.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.214101DOI Listing

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