How do magmas behave at depth?

This seminar aims at answering questions relevant to the presence of magmas at depth, whether that be in the present Earth or in its earliest times, as planets were born molten. Magmas are most efficient carriers of matter and heat, and as such they have shaped the Earth as we know it now. It is therefore essential to know the behaviour at depth of these objects. Magmas are chemically complex melts and technically challenging to melt at high pressures. The last decade has nonetheless witnessed great progresses in our knowledge of magmas at depth, mostly from the advancement of synchrotron x-ray based techniques. I will briefly review how we can measure properties such as the viscosity, density or structure of magmas, and what that tell us about our planet, from the way plate tectonics work to why diamonds can be found at surface conditions.

Tea and cakes from 16.30.

All members of the School – undergraduates, postgraduates and staff – are welcome and encouraged to attend.