Understanding the deep mantle: experimental petrology at very high pressures

形成地球表面的伟大过程，包括板块构造和大陆漂移，只有通过欣赏地球内部是如何工作的才能被理解。然而，由于涉及到巨大的压力和温度，研究地球深处是困难的。这项研究建议利用澳大利亚发明的钻石基陶瓷来模拟地球下地幔(即深度低于670公里)的条件，以使实验可以进行的压力加倍。从这项基础研究中获得的信息将有助于预测巨型矿体是如何形成的。高压仪器的开发也将有助于材料科学家探索新材料。

The great processes that shape the Earth at its surface, including plate tectonics and continental drift, can only be understood by appreciating how the interior of the Earth works. However, studying the deep Earth is difficult because of the enormous pressures and temperatures involved. This research proposes to simulate conditions in the Earth's lower mantle (that is, below 670 km in depth) by making use of an Australian invented diamond-based ceramic, to double the pressure at which experiments can be performed. The information gained from this fundamental research will help predict how giant ore bodies form. The development of the high-pressure apparatus will also aid material scientists in their quest for novel materials.