Spin crossover in ferropericlase and some consequences for mantle velocities

Abstract:

The spin crossover in ferropericlase ((Mg,Fe)O) introduces anomalies in its thermodynamics and thermoelastic properties [1] with impactful consequences on lower mantle velocities. These anomalies fundamentally change the interpretation of the origin of lateral heterogeneities in the mid lower mantle. In particular, SCF reduces the sensitivity of longitudinal velocity (V_P) to lateral temperature variations around 1700 km [2]. It also dramatically impacts the manifestation of two important types of compositional heterogeneities, i.e., change in iron concentration in Fp or in molar fraction of Fp in the aggregate. It enhances the sensitivity of V_ϕ and V_P to these compositional variations by several-fold. In addition, it affects the mantle adiabatic geotherm, altering the radial velocity profile. Here I will review these effects and relate them to some potential features observed in seismic tomography models.

[1] Wu, Z.Q., Justo, J. F., & Wentzcovitch, R.M. (2013). Elastic anomalies in a spin-crossover system: ferropericlase at lower mantle conditions, Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 228501 (2013).

[2] Wu, Z.Q., & Wentzcovitch, R.M. (2014). Spin crossover in ferropericlase and velocity heterogeneities in the lower mantle. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 111: 10468-10472.