Plume Kimberlites, Entrained Xenoliths and Carbonado

9505770 Haggerty主要目的是通过研究金伯利岩和夹带的硬硅钙石的地球化学和矿物学来测试核/幔边界柱的起源。 将应用理论、实验和地球化学模板来识别沿沿着2900 km管道取样的各种成分。 管道的一部分，在410和660公里之间（过渡区，TZ），是特别感兴趣的，因为边界是由密集的矿物相变，深源地震，高压矿物能够保水，和一个层，可能窝藏俯冲海底玄武岩板的积累。 第二个目标是限制化学不均匀性的程度，并描述TZ的地质。 这将通过对超深捕虏体、榴辉岩（高压玄武岩）和流体熔融过程改性捕虏体（交代岩）的矿物和地球化学研究来完成。 第三个目标是研究一种不寻常的金刚石形式，称为carbonado，它是烧结的，但也是多孔的。 解决carbonado的起源将具有地质意义和技术应用。 这些研究将在南非、博茨瓦纳和塞拉利昂的岩石上进行，并在巴西的碳制干酪上进行。 在马萨诸塞州大学的实验室中，将采用标准技术和最先进的仪器，并与其他研究所合作进行研究。

9505770 Haggerty The primary objective is to test the Core/Mantle Boundary-plume origin by studying the geochemistry and mineralogy of kimberlites and entrained xeonoliths. Theoretical, experimental, and geochemical templates will be applied to identify the various components that have been sampled along the 2900 km conduit. One section of the conduit, between 410 and 660 km (the transition zone, TZ), is of particular interest because the boundaries are marked by dense mineral phase transitions, deep focus earthquakes, high pressure minerals capable of water retention, and a layer that may harbor the accumulation of subducted ocean floor basaltic slabs. A second objective is to place limits on the extent of chemical heterogeneity, and to describe the geology of the TZ. This will be done through a mineral and geochemical study of ultradeep xenoliths, eclogites (high pressure basalt), and xenoliths modified by fluidal melt processes (metasomites). A third objective is to study an unusual form of diamond known as carbonado, which is sintered but also porous. Resolving the origin of carbonado will have geological implications and technological applications. These studies will be undertaken on rocks from South Africa, Botswana, and Sierra Leone, and on carbonado from Brazil. Standard techniques with state-of-the-art instruments, will be applied to the study in laboratories at the University of Massachusetts, and in collaboration with other institutes.