Content:

• The physical state of all relevant layers of Earth, from the deep crust to the Earth’s core. 

• Major rock-forming phases, phase relations at high pressures and high temperatures.

• The effect of pressure, temperature and oxygen fugacity on phase relations and the equation of state of high-pressure phases (e.g. ringwoodite, bridgmanite).

• The role of chemical and physical heterogeneities.

• Volatile cycles, i.e. carbon, water, sulfur.

• Modes of chemical exchange between the different mantle layers. Discussing the question of layered vs. whole mantle convection.

• Reading and understanding research papers. 

Semester: WT 2025/26