CURRENT RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Thermodynamic and structural effects associated with premelting and melting in silicate minerals Characterization of melting (and crystallization) processes requires understanding of the melting behavior of the appropriate minerals in part because of the need to evaluate the energy budgets associated with these processes. In-situ, high-temperature examination reveals endothermic effects comparable to 10-20% of the heat of fusion of many silicates and non-silicates typically within 100°C of their melting temperature. The underlying structural causes of these effects are examined with in-situ, high temperature structural tools (x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy).

Relative changes in cell parameters for Na2SiO3 crystal as a function of temperature [click on figure to expand]

Experimental studies on melt-mineral-water interactions in the Earth's crust and upper mantle Experiments at ambient pressure and high temperature provide important information relative to the principles that magmatic activity. Surface manifestations of such activity are, however, the last stages of a series of events in the earth's interior involving melting, melt aggregation, ascent, crystallization and eruption. Therefore, in addition to high-temperature, ambient pressure studies, several investigations aimed at structure-property relationships in the relevant pressure-temperature regime also conducted in-situ athigh pressure and high temperature as well as studies of temperature- and pressure-quenched materials are underway.

Solid-media high-pressure lab (left) and diamond cell mounted on a microscope in the Raman lab (right) used for examination of melt-mineral-fluid interactions [click on figure to expand]

SCOPE OF RESEARCH INTERESTS	RESEARCH INTERESTS	CURRENT RESEARCH ACTIVITIES 1  2  3  4  5
ABSTRACTS (LIST)	SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS

Email: mysen@gl.ciw.edu