Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors

We investigate structures and properties of materials which consist of Earth and planetary interiors to clarify phenomena occurring in the Earth and planetary interiors. Planetary interior environments are produced in the lab using high-pressure devices, such as large-volume press and diamond anvil cell.

• Department of Earth Sciences

	Prof. URAKAWA Satoru E-mail: urakawa [at] cc.okayama-u.ac.jp Earth and planetary core, mineral physics, amorphous and liquid   Directory of Researchers

We investigate the phase relationships, structures, and physical properties of the constituent materials of the Earth and planets using high pressure and high temperature experiments, in order to elucidate the constituent and dynamics of the mantle and core and their evolution. In particular, we study the structure and physical properties of amorphous and liquid under pressure using synchrotron radiation and neutrons.

	Prof. TERASAKI Hidenori E-mail: tera [at] okayama-u.ac.jp Planetary core, Formation and evolution of the core, Physical properties of liquids   Directory of Researchers　　　Link to homepage

Core formation

To reveal the formation and evolution of the cores of planetesimal and terrestrial planets, we perform experiments at planetary interior conditions. We measure physical and chemical properties of liquid iron-alloys at high pressures and high temperatures based on in situ measurements with synchrotron X-rays and analyses of recovered samples.

	Asst. Prof. Sakurai Moe E-mail: moesakurai [at] okayama-u.ac.jp Earth’s mantle, hydrous mechanism, experimental mineralogy   Directory of Researchers

High pressure experiments and theoretical studies

We are studying the water cycle in the Earth’s interior and related deep Earth’s dynamics using a combination of high pressure and high temperature experiments and first-principles calculations. In particular, we focus on hydrogen positions in minerals to elucidate the behavior of water, which has various effects on mineral properties in the Earth’s deep interior.