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Dryad

Data from: Acoustic and electrical properties of Fe-Ti oxides with application to the deep lunar mantle

Data files

Jan 17, 2024 version files 23.80 KB

Abstract

The overturn of titanium-rich mantle cumulates has been invoked to explain the structure and dynamics of the Moon. These dense cumulates are stable at the core-mantle boundary (CMB) and could explain field anomalies inferred from geophysical studies. We report the first acoustic and electrical experiments on natural ilmenite-rutile aggregates up to 4.5 GPa and 1920 K. Seismic velocities show a weak pressure and temperature dependence, with Vs ~4.2 (+/-0.2) km/s and Vp ~ 8.0 (+/-0.2) km/s at the CMB conditions. Conductivity increases by a factor > 104 over 373-1920 K and is >103 S/m above 1573 K. Seismic and electrical mixing models of Fe-Ti oxides - olivine rocks based on our results indicate that field velocity and conductivity estimates are reproduced satisfactorily with 3-16% Fe-Ti oxides and 20% melt. Interactions between this Ti-rich and melt-bearing layer and the adjacent core likely affect the cooling and magnetic history of the Moon.