Dislocations In Olivine Research Articles

Dislocation Generation in Experimentally Shocked Olivine Crystals

AbstractDuring shock metamorphism, crystals in planetary bodies are exposed to extreme conditions of stress, pressure, and temperature, resulting in the development of a range of shock‐induced defects, including dislocations. To investigate the shock‐induced development of dislocations in olivine, one of the most common minerals found in meteorites and other planetary samples, a series of shock experiments were carried out on olivine single crystals. Olivine crystals were shocked to peak reverberation pressures ranging from 21.3 to 58.7 GPa in a flat‐plate accelerator. The crystals were characterized using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and electron microprobe. EBSD analyses reveal that geometrically necessary dislocations form on all common slip systems. Raman spectroscopy reveals that the full width at half height of characteristic peaks increases linearly as a function of shock pressure. Dislocation loops with the Burgers vector b = [001] have higher densities near fractures as revealed by TEM analyses, whereas dislocations away from fractures are more dependent on the crystal orientation relative to impact direction. The type and density of dislocations that form during shock are largely independent of the starting hydrogen content of crystals. Calculations that incorporate post‐shock cooling rates of meteorites ejected from planetary surfaces, dislocation annihilation rates in olivine, and dislocation densities measured in shocked olivine suggest that shock‐induced dislocations are preserved in olivine in meteorites ejected from planetary bodies and therefore give insight into the conditions of ancient impact events in the solar system.

Small effect of water incorporation on dislocation mobility in olivine: Negligible creep enhancement and water-induced fabric transition in the asthenosphere

To constrain the effect of water on upper mantle dynamics, we measured the annihilation rate coefficients (k) of [100](010) and [001](100) dislocations in olivine, referred to as a-dislocations and c-dislocations, respectively, as a function of water content. Natural olivine single crystals were doped with 5–800 wt. ppm water and sheared in the [100] or [001] directions along the (010) and (100) planes to produce a- and c-dislocations, respectively, and then annealed under quasi-hydrostatic conditions at a constant pressure and temperature of 5 GPa and 1473 K. The obtained annihilation rate coefficients are fitted to a power-law equation, yielding astonishingly small water-content exponents of 0.0±0.1 and 0.2±0.2 for the a- and c-dislocations, respectively. The overall effect of water on dislocation mobility is therefore small because these two slip systems are considered to be the least and most sensitive to water, respectively. These results imply that water incorporation does not effectively increase the dislocation-creep rate and that a water-induced fabric transition is unlikely. The effects of water on asthenospheric dynamics may thus be limited, and the lateral seismic anisotropy changes observed in the asthenosphere may solely reflect changes of mantle flow geometry.

Dislocation Creep of Olivine and Amphibole in Amphibole Peridotites from Åheim, Norway

Amphibole peridotite samples from Åheim, Norway, were analyzed to understand the deformation mechanism and microstructural evolution of olivine and amphibole through the Scandian Orogeny and subsequent exhumation process. Three Åheim amphibole peridotite samples were selected for detailed microstructural analysis. The Åheim amphibole peridotites exhibit porphyroclastic texture, abundant subgrain boundaries in olivine, and the evidence of localized shear deformation in the tremolite-rich layer. Two different types of olivine lattice preferred orientations (LPOs) were observed: B- and A-type LPOs. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) mapping and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations revealed that most subgrain boundaries in olivine consist of dislocations with a (001)[100] slip system. The subgrain boundaries in olivine may have resulted from the deformation of olivine with moderate water content. In addition, TEM observations using a thickness-fringe method showed that the free dislocations of olivine with the (010)[100] slip system were dominant in the peridotites. Our data suggest that the subgrain boundaries and free dislocations in olivine represent a product of later-stage deformation associated with the exhumation process. EBSD mapping of the tremolite-rich layer revealed intracrystalline plasticity in amphibole, which can be interpreted as the activation of the (100)[001] slip system.

The Influence of Water on the Strength of Olivine Dislocation Slip Systems

AbstractThe nature of lattice‐preferred orientation (LPO) in olivine‐rich rocks strongly influences many important physical properties of Earth's upper mantle. Different LPO types have been observed to develop in deformation experiments on olivine‐rich rocks carried out at different water fugacity conditions. The development of the different LPO types has been attributed to dislocation slip systems in olivine having different sensitivities to water fugacity, but this hypothesis has not been directly tested. To measure the influence of water fugacity on the relative strengths of olivine dislocation slip systems, we carried out a series of deformation experiments on olivine single crystals under either anhydrous or hydrous conditions. The crystals were oriented to activate either the (010)[100], (001)[100], or (100)[001] dislocation slip systems using a direct shear geometry, which allows for isolation of single slip systems, in contrast to the multiple systems activated in experiments carried out in compression. Post‐deformation electron backscatter diffraction analyses reveal orientation gradients consistent with deformation occurring via the motion of dislocations on the activated slip systems. Crystals in all of the investigated orientations exhibit hydrolytic weakening, but crystals oriented to activate the (001)[100] slip system exhibit the largest degree of weakening. These results are consistent with a water‐induced change in LPO in olivine‐rich rocks deforming by dislocation creep. The rheological data obtained from the experiments can be used to improve models of LPO evolution in Earth's mantle, which is critical for imaging the structure of Earth's interior and predicting the movement of Earth's tectonic plates.

Fluid‐Assisted Deformation and Strain Localization in the Cooling Mantle Wedge of a Young Subduction Zone (Semail Ophiolite)

AbstractThis study reports on feedback mechanisms between fluid migration, ductile deformation, and strain localization processes in an incipiently forming mantle wedge: the basal banded unit of the Semail ophiolite. These peridotites were located right above the plate interface during intraoceanic subduction infancy that ultimately led to ophiolite obduction. During this stage, they were affected by coeval ductile deformation, forming (proto)mylonites at ~900–800 °C to ultramylonites at ~700 °C, and interaction with subduction fluids. From the petrological and microstructural study of these hydrated peridotites and their protolith (preserved lenses of porphyroclastic tectonites), we show that peridotite interaction with hydrous fluids triggered dissolution/precipitation processes. Dissolution of coarser grains and precipitation of new and smaller ones (mainly pyroxenes, spinel, and amphibole) resulted in a drastic grain size reduction, phase mixing and a switch from olivine dislocation to grain size sensitive creep in (proto)mylonites. Data also evidence a feedback process of fluid focusing in actively deforming shear zones. This rapid switch in olivine deformation mechanism, driven by subduction fluid‐peridotite interaction, triggered an intense weakening of the peridotites at ~900–800 °C and a transition from a mechanically decoupled to coupled plate interface (as witnessed by the detachment and underplating of a high‐temperature metamorphic sole to the base of the ophiolite). It also explains the intense strain localization (<1‐km‐thick shear zone) along this ductile portion of the plate interface. Considering that similar mechanisms take place in mature subduction zones, they may explain plate interface coupling at subarc depths in worldwide subduction zones.

Electron channelling contrast imaging of individual dislocations in geological materials using a field-emission scanning electron microscope equipped with an EBSD system

Dislocation-related defects in minerals govern globally important rheological processes such as mantle convection in the deep Earth where dislocation creep is a common deformation mechanism of the constituent minerals. Understanding such processes requires the direct observation of individual dislocations in minerals and across their interfaces. Using electron channelling contrast imaging (ECCI) in a conventional field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), we successfully observed individual dislocations in experimentally deformed polycrystalline ferropericlase as well as in natural olivine without special surface treatments to highlight dislocations such as oxidation decoration or chemical etching. Combining backscattered electron (BSE) imaging with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) techniques, we refined the two-beam condition of a Kikuchi band at the Bragg orientation to maximize the visibility of individual dislocations with a particular Burgers vector. The dislocation microstructures of progressive subgrain rotation as dominant recrystallization mechanism and the co-activation of two non-coplanar slip systems are demonstrated in ferropericlase and olivine, respectively. Inclined dislocations in olivine are also visualized in end-on view in ECCI. Orientation optimized ECCI in a FE-SEM may serve as an alternative to diffraction contrast imaging in transmission electron microscopy. ECCI shows promise as a non-destructive imaging of individual dislocations of rock-forming minerals.

Geometrically necessary dislocation densities in olivine obtained using high-angular resolution electron backscatter diffraction

Dislocations in geological minerals are fundamental to the creep processes that control large-scale geodynamic phenomena. However, techniques to quantify their densities, distributions, and types over critical subgrain to polycrystal length scales are limited. The recent advent of high-angular resolution electron backscatter diffraction (HR-EBSD), based on diffraction pattern cross-correlation, offers a powerful new approach that has been utilised to analyse dislocation densities in the materials sciences. In particular, HR-EBSD yields significantly better angular resolution (<0.01°) than conventional EBSD (~0.5°), allowing very low dislocation densities to be analysed. We develop the application of HR-EBSD to olivine, the dominant mineral in Earth's upper mantle by testing (1) different inversion methods for estimating geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) densities, (2) the sensitivity of the method under a range of data acquisition settings, and (3) the ability of the technique to resolve a variety of olivine dislocation structures. The relatively low crystal symmetry (orthorhombic) and few slip systems in olivine result in well constrained GND density estimates. The GND density noise floor is inversely proportional to map step size, such that datasets can be optimised for analysing either short wavelength, high density structures (e.g. subgrain boundaries) or long wavelength, low amplitude orientation gradients. Comparison to conventional images of decorated dislocations demonstrates that HR-EBSD can characterise the dislocation distribution and reveal additional structure not captured by the decoration technique. HR-EBSD therefore provides a highly effective method for analysing dislocations in olivine and determining their role in accommodating macroscopic deformation.

Temperature dependence of [100](010) and [001](010) dislocation mobility in natural olivine

Abstract Dislocation recovery experiments were conducted on pre-deformed olivine single crystals at 1450 to 1760 K, room pressure, and oxygen partial pressures near the Ni–NiO buffer to determine the annihilation rates for [100] and [001] dislocations on the (010) plane. Olivine single crystals were first deformed to activate the desired slip systems under simple shear geometry and then annealed at target conditions. The edge and screw dislocations with Burgers vectors, b, of [100] and [001], respectively, both elongated in the [001] direction were produced by the deformation. The dislocation annihilation rate constants of both types of dislocations are identical within 0.3 log unit. The activation energies for both dislocations are also identical, i.e., ∼400 kJ/mol, which is also identical to that of the Si self-diffusion coefficient. This correspondence suggests that olivine dislocation creep controlled by a diffusion-controlled process under low-stress and high-temperature conditions. This study offers a potential insight into the formation of AG-type fabric in olivine.

Deformation microstructures of olivine and pyroxene in mantle xenoliths in Shanwang, eastern China, near the convergent plate margin, and implications for seismic anisotropy

Deformation microstructures, including lattice-preferred orientations (LPOs) of olivine, enstatite, and diopside, in mantle xenoliths at Shanwang, eastern China, were studied to understand the deformation mechanism and seismic anisotropy of the upper mantle. The Shanwang is located across the Tan-Lu fault zone, which was formed due to the collision between the Sino-Korean and South China cratons. All samples are spinel lherzolites and wehrlites, and LPOs of minerals were determined using scanning electron microscope/electron backscattered diffraction. We found two types of olivine LPO: type-B in spinel lherzolites and type-E in wehrlites. Enstatite showed two types of LPO (types BC and AC), and diopside showed four different types of LPO. Observations of strong LPOs and numerous dislocations in olivine suggest that samples showing both type-B and -E LPOs were deformed in dislocation creep. The seismic anisotropy of the P-wave was in the range of 2.2–11.6% for olivine, 1.2–2.3% for enstatite, and 2.1–6.4% for diopside. The maximum seismic anisotropy of the shear wave was in the range 1.93–7.53% for olivine, 1.53–2.46% for enstatite, and 1.81–6.57% for diopside. Furthermore, the thickness of the anisotropic layer was calculated for four geodynamic models to understand the origin of seismic anisotropy under the study area by using delay time from shear wave splitting, and S-wave velocity and anisotropy from mineral LPOs. We suggest that the seismic anisotropy under the study area can be most likely explained by two deformation modes that might have occurred at different times: one of deformed lherzolites with a type-B olivine LPO by lateral shear during/after the period of the Mesozoic continental collision between the Sino-Korean and South China cratons; and the other deformed the wehrlites with a type-E olivine LPO by horizontal extension during the period of change in absolute plate motion in relation to the westward-subducting Pacific plate.

Characterization of the glide planes of the [001] screw dislocations in olivine using electron tomography

A San Carlos olivine polycrystal has been deformed under uppermost mantle conditions, by compression at 900 °C, at a strain rate of 1.1 × 10−5 s−1, under a confining pressure of 300 MPa, using the Paterson press. Transmission electron tomography of dislocations has been performed by scanning transmission electron microscopy, by conventional transmission electron microscopy using the weak-beam dark-field technique, associated with precession or not, in order to determine the glide planes of [001] screw dislocations. This recent technique is the most suitable one since most [001] dislocations exhibit straight screw segments due to the high lattice friction on this character at low temperature. We find that [001] dislocations glide in (100), (010) and {110} as already reported, but also more unexpectedly in {120} and {130}. We show that at 900 °C, [001] {110} glide is dominant in polycrystals. We have, however, noted and characterized numerous cross-slip events in the specimen.

Mineralogy and defect microstructure of an olivine-dominated Itokawa dust particle: evidence for shock metamorphism, collisional fragmentation, and LL chondrite origin

We report here detailed analytical scanning and transmission electron microscopic investigations on an olivine-dominated dust particle (RB-QD04-0042) from the surface of asteroid 25143 Itokawa. The dust particle was returned to Earth by the Hayabusa spacecraft and was made available in the context of the first announcement of opportunity for Hayabusa sample investigation. Multiple thin slices were prepared from the precious particle by means of focused ion beam thinning, providing a unique three-dimensional access to its interior. The 40 × 50 μm sized olivine particle contains a spherical diopside inclusion and an intimate intergrowth of troilite and tetrataenite. The compositions of olivine (Fo69Fa31) and diopside (En48Wo42Fs10), as well as the high Ni content of the sulfide-metal alloy, indicate a LL ordinary chondrite origin in accord with previous classifications. Although no impact crater exists at the surface of RB-QD04-0042, transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of various shock defects in constituent minerals. These defects are planar fractures and [001] screw dislocations in olivine, multiple {101} deformation twins in tetrataenite and basal (0001) stacking faults in troilite. These diagnostic shock indicators occur only in a small zone on one concave side of the dust particle characterized by a high fracture density. These observations can be explained by a collisional event that spalled off material from the particle's surface. Alternatively, the dust particle itself could be a spallation fragment of an impact into a larger regolith target. This suggests that Itokawa dust particles lacking visible microcraters on their surfaces might have still experienced shock metamorphism and were involved in collisional fragmentation that resulted in the formation of regolith.

Polycrystalline olivine rheology in dislocation creep: Revisiting experimental data to 8.1 GPa

The rheology of polycristalline San Carlos olivine is investigated on synchrotron beamline in the Deformation-DIA (D-DIA) at pressure (P) between 3.8 and 8.1GPa, temperature (T) within 1373–1673K, and at steady-state strain rates ranging from 1.1×10−5 to 5.8×10−5s−1. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on run products reveals microstructures characteristic of the so-called “dislocation creep regime”. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements reveal hydroxyl concentrations within 153–1526ppm H/Si (Paterson’s calibration), indicating ‘wet’ conditions of deformation. Analysis of our data together with previously published ‘wet’ deformation data obtained at room and high P, assuming a stress exponent n=3.5 in classical power law, results in a linear dependence of the activation enthalpy with P, i.e., in an activation volume of V∗=12.8±5 cm3mol−1. This value of V∗ is also consistent with a global dataset including ‘wet’ data and ‘dry’ published deformation data for olivine aggregates. We thus conclude that, up to 8GPa, the effect of P on ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ olivine dislocation creep is consistent with V∗=12.8±5cm3mol−1.

The Wood Lake, Ontario, H4 ordinary chondrite, a new Canadian meteorite

The Wood Lake meteorite was found in the Muskoka region of Ontario in July 2003. We examine the mineralogy, physical properties, shock, and weathering state of this recently reported Canadian meteorite. Bulk physical properties for Wood Lake (bulk density 3.57 ± 0.10 g/cm3, grain density 3.64 ± 0.01 g/cm3, and magnetic susceptibility log χ = 5.17) are typical of slightly weathered H chondrite falls and consistent with visual observations of its observed low weathering state (W1). Reconnaissance X-ray micro computed tomography of a Wood Lake fragment yields a similar bulk density (3.56 g/cm3) and allows for a three-dimensional description of the meteorite. Petrographic and electron probe microanalysis examination of the Wood Lake meteorite reveal sharp definition of chondrule margins, occasional mesostasis chondrule glass, only minor development of recrystallized matrix feldspar, and little variation in silicate chemical compositions, indicating Wood Lake to be an H4 ordinary chondrite. Mineral chemistry for Wood Lake olivine (Fa18.6 ± 0.7, n = 26) and low-Ca pyroxene (Fs17.5 ± 2.6, n = 16) agrees well with H chondrite averages for these minerals. The bulk of the stone has undergone a low to moderate level of shock (S3), as indicated in thin section by undulose optical extinction and the presence of planar dislocations in olivine and pyroxene grains. Moderate distortion of olivine crystal structures observed using in situ micro X-ray diffraction quantifies the shock deformation as a full width half maximum (FWHMχ) of 3.38° ± 1.13° (16 reflections from seven olivine grains), consistent with shock stage S3 ordinary chondrites. Wood Lake is confirmed as a new Canadian meteorite find that likely arrived on Earth not long before it was recovered.

Activities of olivine slip systems in the upper mantle

We investigated the effect of pressure (P) on olivine [100](001) and [001](100) dislocation slip systems by carrying out deformation experiments in the Deformation-DIA apparatus (D-DIA) on single crystals of Mg2SiO4 forsterite (Fo100) and San Carlos (SC) olivine (Fo89), at P ranging from 5.7 to 9.7GPa, temperature T=1473 and 1673K, differential stress σ in the range 140–1500MPa, and in water-poor conditions. Specimens were deformed in axisymmetry compression along the so-called [101]c crystallographic direction, which promotes the dual slip of [100] dislocations in (001) plane and [001] dislocations in (100) plane. Constant σ and specimen strain rates (ε˙) were monitored in situ by synchrotron X-ray diffraction and radiography, respectively. Comparison of the obtained high-P rheological data with room-P data, previously reported by Darot and Gueguen (1981) for Fo100 and Bai et al. (1991) for SC olivine, allowed quantifying the activation volume V* in classical creep power laws. We obtain V*=9.1±1.6 cm3/mol for Fo100. For SC olivine, we obtain V*=10.7±5.0cm3/mol taking into account the oxygen-fugacity uncertainty during the high-P runs. These results, combined with previous reports, provide complete sets of parameters for quantifying the activities of olivine dislocation slip systems. Extrapolation of the rheological laws obtained for SC olivine crystals to conditions representative of natural deformations show that [100](010) slip largely dominates deformation in the shallow upper mantle. At depths greater than ∼65km along a 20-Ma oceanic geotherm or ∼155km along a continental geotherm, the dual activity of [100](001) and [001](100) slips becomes comparable to that of [100](010) slip. At depths greater than ∼240km, [001](010) slip becomes dominant over all other investigated slip systems. Such changes in olivine dislocation-slips relative activity provide a straightforward explanation for the seismic anisotropy contrast and attenuation with depth observed in the Earth’s upper mantle.

Pressure effect on forsterite dislocation slip systems: Implications for upper-mantle LPO and low viscosity zone

In order to better constrained the effect of pressure ( P) on olivine dislocation slip-system activities, deformation experiments were carried out in a Deformation-DIA apparatus (D-DIA) on pure forsterite (Fo100) single crystals, at P ⩾ 5.7 GPa, temperature T ∼ 1675 K, differential stress σ < 350 MPa and in water-poor conditions. Constant σ and specimen strain rates ( ε ˙ ) were monitored in situ by synchrotron X-ray diffraction and radiography, respectively. Two compression directions were tested, promoting either [1 0 0] slip or [0 0 1] slip in (0 1 0) crystallographic plane. Comparison of the obtained high- P rheological data with room- P data previously reported by Darot and Gueguen (1981) shows that [1 0 0] slip is strongly inhibited by pressure while [0 0 1] slip is virtually P insensitive. This translates in creep power laws into a high activation volume V a ∗ = 15 ± 3 cm 3 / mol for [1 0 0](0 1 0) slip system, and V c ∗ = 0 ± 1.2 cm 3 / mol for [0 0 1](0 1 0) slip system. Using these laws along geotherms at natural σ condition shows that the [1 0 0] slip/[0 0 1] slip transition may occur at ∼200 km depth in the upper mantle, and be responsible for the observed lattice preferred orientation (LPO) transition. A rheological law for polycrystalline forsterite is deduced from the single-crystal rheological laws, assuming that individual grains are randomly oriented in the aggregate. Applying the aggregate law within a 2D geodynamic model of upper-mantle couette flow suggests that the pressure dependence of olivine dislocation-slip activities may partly explain the low viscosity zone (LVZ) observed underneath oceanic plates.

Structure of melt flow channels in the mantle

Structural events during the formation of the mantle peridotite section in the Voikar-Syn’ya massif of the Polar Urals are considered. The structural units of the mantle section were formed during several deformation stages. Dunite bodies in restitic peridotites were formed in the course of deformation that completed the formation of large-scale folds of high-temperature plastic flow of mantle material. The final stage of deformation accompanied by migration of melt through harzburgite occurred in the shallow mantle in the setting of suprasubduction spreading related to the ascent of a mantle diapir. The rate of plastic deformation was relatively low. As a result, the intracrystal translation gliding of dislocations in olivine was the main mechanism in both harzburgite and dunite. The paths of focused melt flow are marked by dunite veins and associated pyroxenite and chromitite. It is suggested that stress concentration in fold hinges and their abrupt relaxation with formation of orthogonal network of weakened zones with high permeability was one of the possible mechanisms of the formation of melt conduits. The dispersed melt ascending from a great depth spontaneously migrated toward these zones. The distribution and structure of chromitite bodies reflect multistage formation of dunite, nonstationary dynamics of melt flow through restite, and abrupt variations of local stress fields in the areas adjacent to melt conduits.

Experimental evidence for rapid water exchange between melt inclusions in olivine and host magma

Melt inclusions in olivine are source of unique information about primitive mantle melts. Here we report results of an experimental study aimed at evaluating the ability of olivine to isolate chemically melt inclusions from the host magma after their entrapment. We demonstrate that nearly ‘dry’ melt inclusions from Galapagos Plateau basalt can gain up to 2.5 wt.% of water if they are placed for 2 days in a water-bearing melt at 200 MPa and 1140 °C. The major element composition of melt inclusions also changed significantly, as a result of a re-equilibration with the olivine host mineral, whereas no significant changes were detected for incompatible trace elements. Our results indicate that inclusions in olivine can rapidly and selectively exchange water with the matrix melt, probably, through combination of proton diffusion and molecular water transport along dislocations in olivine. The fast water transport explains element fractionation, which is not predictable from the theory of magmatic processes. An efficient re-equilibration of melt inclusions with matrix melt can explain the decoupling of water and incompatible trace elements (e.g., H 2O vs. K 2O) reported for suites of primitive inclusions from mid-ocean-ridge setting and island arcs. Rare cases of well preservation of initial water content in suites of co-genetic inclusions imply very short residence time (a few hours) of the olivine phenocrysts in magma with contrasting water content during fractionation and transport to the surface and rapid quenching upon eruption.

Pressure-induced slip-system transition in forsterite: Single-crystal rheological properties at mantle pressure and temperature

Deformation experiments were carried out in a Deformation-DIA high-pressure apparatus (D-DIA) on oriented Mg2SiO4 olivine (Fo100) single crystals, at pressure (P) ranging from 2.1 to 7.5 GPa, in the temperature (T) range 1373-1677 K, and in dry conditions. These experiments were designed to investigate the effect of pressure on olivine dislocation slip-system activities, responsible for the lattice-preferred orientations observed in the upper mantle. Two compression directions were tested, promoting either [100] slip alone or [001] slip alone in (010) crystallographic plane. Constant applied stress ({sigma}) and specimen strain rates (Formula) were monitored in situ using time-resolved X-ray synchrotron diffraction and radiography, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigation of the run products reveals that dislocation creep assisted by dislocation climb and cross slip was responsible for sample deformation. A slip transition with increasing pressure, from a dominant [100]-slip to a dominant [001]-slip, is documented. Extrapolation of the obtained rheological laws to upper-mantle P, T, and {sigma} conditions, suggests that [001]-slip activity becomes comparable to [100]-slip activity in the deep upper mantle, while [001] slip is mostly dominant in subduction zones. These results provide alternative explanations for the seismic anisotropy attenuation observed in the upper mantle, and for the 'puzzling' seismic-anisotropy anomaliesmore » commonly observed in subduction zones.« less

Olivine flow mechanisms at 8 GPa

The mechanisms responsible for high-temperature olivine deformation are investigated at a pressure of 8 GPa and temperatures up to 1780 K. San Carlos olivine specimens of different average grain sizes (0.5 and 5 μm) were deformed simultaneously between hard-alumina pistons during relaxation experiments. These experiments are carried out in a multi-anvil high-pressure apparatus coupled with synchrotron X-ray radiation. The different grain-size specimens experienced identical P– T–stress condition at any given time. A new method for measuring strains and strain rates (≥10 −6 s −1) of specimens at high pressure is documented. This method uses time-resolved in situ X-ray imaging and an image-analysis computation. The microstructures of run products, recovered after being quenched at different temperatures were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We find that high-temperature olivine flow is grain-size insensitive at 8 GPa, which suggests that dislocation creep dominates olivine deformation at high pressure. This result is confirmed by the TEM investigation of our deformed specimens in which we find evidences of the activation of olivine dislocation slip systems. Specimen microstructures are consistent with dynamic recrystallization as an assisting process in olivine deformation during the high-pressure experiments. Extrapolation of our results to the low stress level and large grain size expected in the mantle suggests that dislocation creep assisted by dynamic recrystallization may also dominate natural olivine deformation in the upper mantle.

A transmission electron microscope study of Chassigny: Evidence for strong shock metamorphism

Abstract— Chassigny is a shock‐metamorphosed dunite of probable Martian origin. In order to determine its degree of shock metamorphism and to define the starting conditions prior to its ejection from Mars, the shock signature of Chassigny has been carefully examined by optical and electronoptical techniques. Dominant shock effects are the conversion of feldspars to diaplectic glass (maskelynite), the clino‐/orthoenstatite inversion, strong mosaicism of olivine, and the activation of numerous planar fractures and c dislocations in olivine. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals additionally the coexistance of planar fractures with, so far, unknown discontinuous fractures in olivine. These findings point to a shock pressure of 35 GPa. Chassigny has thus experienced a high and similar degree of shock metamorphism as the shergottites. The results of this study suggest that Chassigny was at a shallow target position, close to the point of impact, when it was ejected.