Development of New Techniques for Rock Deformation Using the Large Volume Torsion Apparatus

岩石变形领域使用实验装置通过产生巨大的压力、温度和应力来模拟地球内部的条件。 在实验室环境中变形岩石使研究人员能够精确控制他们施加的条件，并系统地测试岩石和矿物对这些条件的反应。 收集的数据用于更好地了解地球的结构，动力学和地质灾害。例如，使用岩石变形实验，科学家可以确定地球内部岩石的粘度。 这些数据反过来又帮助我们理解为什么在地球上发现了板块构造，而在太阳系的其他岩石行星上却没有。该项目支持开发一种新型的岩石变形仪器，其中试样受到扭转变形。 大体积扭转仪（LVT 2）的特殊功能使实验能够再现类似于地球构造板块之间沿着边界的条件，LVT 2将是研究岩石变形的微观物理、板块边界流变学以及地壳和上地幔地震各向异性起源的独特工具。以前的支持使LVT2的设计和建造成为可能。目前的项目将允许研究人员，包括博士后学者，（1）开发校准，技术和标准操作程序，（2）进行具有科学价值的初步实验，以评估这些程序的有效性。精确的校准和强大的标准操作程序将产生高水平的安全性和可靠性，使岩石变形实验更容易为本科生，外部合作者和其他短期访问者。对博士后学者的支持将为早期职业科学家提供培训。初步的实验，以调查发展的晶体学优先取向将被用来更好地解释地震各向异性在mantle.This奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并已被认为是值得的支持，通过评估使用该基金会的智力价值和更广泛的影响审查标准。

The field of rock deformation uses experimental devices to simulate the conditions in Earth’s interior by generating tremendous pressures, temperatures, and stresses. Deforming rocks in a laboratory setting allows researchers to control precisely the conditions that they impose, and test systematically the responses of rocks and minerals to these conditions. The data that are collected are used to better understand Earth’s structure, dynamics, and geologic hazards. For example, using rock deformation experiments scientists can determine the viscosity of rocks in Earth’s interior. These data, in turn, help us to understand why plate tectonics is found on Earth, but is absent on the other rocky planets of our solar system. This project supports development of a new type of rock deformation apparatus, in which specimens are subjected to torsional deformation. The particular capabilities of the Large Volume Torsion Apparatus (LVT2) enable experiments that reproduce conditions similar to those along boundaries between Earth’s tectonic plates.The LVT2 will be a uniquely capable tool for investigating the microphysics of rock deformation, rheology at plate boundaries, and the origins of seismic anisotropy in the crust and upper mantle. Previous support made possible the design and construction of the LVT2. This current project will allow the investigators, including a postdoctoral scholar, to (1) develop calibrations, techniques, and standard operating procedures, and (2) conduct preliminary experiments of scientific merit to evaluate the efficacy these procedures. Precise calibrations and robust standard operating procedures will yield a high level of safety and reliability, making rock deformation experiments more accessible to undergraduate students, external collaborators, and other short-term visitors. Support of a postdoctoral scholar will provide training to an early career scientists. Preliminary experiments to investigate the development of crystallographic preferred orientation will be used to better interpret seismic anisotropy in the mantle.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.