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Sound velocity and density of magnesiowüstites: Implications for ultralow‐velocity zone topography
Author(s) -
Wicks June K.,
Jackson Jennifer M.,
Sturhahn Wolfgang,
Zhang Dongzhou
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1002/2016gl071225
Subject(s) - mantle (geology) , geology , speed of sound , core–mantle boundary , mineralogy , geophysics , seismic velocity , transition zone , scattering , physics , seismology , thermodynamics , optics
We explore the effect of Mg/Fe substitution on the sound velocities of iron‐rich (Mg 1 − x Fe x )O, where x = 0.84, 0.94, and 1.0. Sound velocities were determined using nuclear resonance inelastic X‐ray scattering as a function of pressure, approaching those of the lowermost mantle. The systematics of cation substitution in the Fe‐rich limit has the potential to play an important role in the interpretation of seismic observations of the core‐mantle boundary. By determining a relationship between sound velocity, density, and composition of (Mg,Fe)O, this study explores the potential constraints on ultralow‐velocity zones at the core‐mantle boundary.