Journey to the center of the Earth

Based on the isotopic and geochemical compositions of oceanic basalts, several mantle endmembers have been proposed, such as EM (enriched mantle) and HIMU (high μ, μ=238U/204Pb). However, the possible relationship between mantle endmembers and mantle structures imaged by seismic waves remains poorly understood. In this presentation, I will discuss a technique to map the geochemical compositions of the mantle with known depth using inclusions trapped in diamonds. Specifically, I will show that HIUM mantle endmember may reside in the transition zone, and coupled water-carbon cycle extends at least to shallow mantle transition zone.

Host: Kun Wang