Polymerization of methane molecules and phase transition of san carlos olivine under the Earth's mantle conditions

Abstract

High-pressure and high-temperature experiments of the olivine-methane-water system were performed using a laser-heated diamond anvil cell at pressure range from 5.8 GPa to 29.4 GPa and temperatures up to 2000K. The samples were examined by X-ray diffractometry and Raman spectroscopy under high pressures and room temperature. The heated areas of the samples changed to black color. Raman spectroscopy revealed the existence of ethane, heavier hydrocarbons, graphite and glassy carbon besides methane molecules. X-ray diffractometry showed that olivine was remained in the sample heated at 5. 8 GPa, 2000K. Wadsleyite and ringwoodite were observed in the samples heated at 14.5 GPa and 19.5 GPa, respectively. At 29.4 GPa, the diffraction line of Mg-perovskite and magnesiowustite were observed. The observed phase changes were similar to those observed in anhydrous and hydrous conditions. The present results suggest that polymerization of methane molecules occurred and that phase transition of olivine occurred even under the existence of methane-water fluid in the deeper part of the mantle. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.