Strength of orthoenstatite single crystals at mantle pressure and temperature and comparison with olivine

Abstract

Oriented single crystals of orthopyroxenes (OPx) were deformed in axisymmetric compression in the D-DIA at pressure and temperature in excess of 3 GPa and 1040 °C. Two crystal orientations were tested with the compression axis parallel to either [101]c crystallographic direction, to investigate [001](100) dislocation slip-system strength, or [011]c direction to investigate [001](010) slip-system strength. These slip systems are the most active in orthopyroxenes. Applied differential stresses and specimen strain rates were measured in situ by synchrotron X-ray diffraction and radiography. We used these data and comparison with previously reported low-pressure flow laws for protoenstatite and orthoenstatite to determine the power law parameters for the deformation of orthoenstatite crystals, which characterize OPx dislocation slip-system strengths. Applying these laws at reasonable mantle stresses along oceanic and continental geotherms indicates that OPx [001](100) slip system is weaker than OPx [001](010) slip system to ∼260 km depth where the strengths converge. It also indicates that both OPx slip systems are significantly stronger than olivine slip systems throughout the upper mantle, except in the upper most mantle, in the lithosphere, were OPx [001](100) slip system may be as weak or even weaker than olivine [100](010) easy slip system.