Experimental Planetary Physics

• Division of Planetary Materials Analytical Chemistry
• Division of Planetary Surface Environment Science

Phase relations and melting relations of Earth and planetary materials. Structure, rheology, elastic and electrical properties of Earth’s mantle and core materials. Element partitioning between mantle minerals and mantle/core materials.
Combine studies of extraterrestrial and terrestrial materials in terms of mineralogy, texture, composition, and spectroscopic properties to interpret the current nature and geological history of other solar system bodies, especially Mars and carbonaceous asteroids.

Division of Planetary Materials Analytical Chemistry

	Prof. YOSHINO Takashi E-mail: tyoshino [at] misasa.okayama-u.ac.jp Earth and Planetary Material Sciences, Mineral physics Directory of Researchers　　　Link to group homepage

We study the dynamics of the Earth and planetary interiors, especially transport processes such as electrical and thermal conductivities, by means of high-pressure experiments mainly using a large-volume multi-anvil press. Recently, we are also working on the problems of terrestrial planetary evolution from the viewpoints of elemental partitioning and redox state.

	Assoc. Prof. YAMAZAKI Daisuke E-mail: dy [at] misasa.okayama-u.ac.jp High Pressure Earth Science, Mineral Physics Directory of Researchers　　　Link to group homepage

We are studying the physical and chemical properties of the Earth’s constituting materials, for example plasticity, elasticity, phase relations ans so on, to understand the structure and dynamics of the Earth’s interior, with the technical development for high pressure experiment.

	Assoc. Prof. ISHII Takayuki E-mail: takayuki.ishii [at] okayama-u.ac.jp Earth and Planetary Material Sciences, Mineral physics Directory of Researchers　　　Link to group homepage

To understand the structure and dynamics of the Earth’s interior from the formation of the early Earth to the present, I am developing technologies using the Kawai-type multi-anvil press and investigating the high　pressure-temperature phase relations, chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties of the Earth’s constituent materials.

	Asst. Prof. MASHINO Idumi E-mail: izumi.mashino [at] okayama-u.ac.jp Earth and Planetary Material Sciences, Mineral physics Directory of Researchers　　　Link to group homepage

I focus on the experimental study on the physical properties of the materials in the Earth’s lower mantle and core by diamond anvil cells.

	Prof. XUE Xianyu E-mail: xianyu [at] misasa.okayama-u.ac.jp Mineral physics, Magmalogy, spectroscopy Directory of Researchers 　Link to group homepage

In order to provide a fundamental understanding of the behaviors of Earth and planetary materials, we are studying the atomic structures of natural and high P-T synthetic materials (minerals, glasses, etc.) via spectroscopic measurements, (e.g., NMR), and first-principles calculation.

	Assoc. Prof. YAMASHITA Shigeru E-mail: shigeru [at] misasa.okayama-u.ac.jp Petrology, Magmalogy Directory of Researchers　　　Link to homepage

I am interested in the experimental study of phase relations in magmas and crustal fluids. My recent approach includes in situ observations of magmas and fluids at high temperatures and pressures using vibrational spectroscopy as a structural probe.

Division of Planetary Surface Environment Science

To understand the evolution of the surface environment from the past to the future and of the planets’ interiors which can influence to the surface environment, we study various phenomena from macroscopic geological and geomorphological processes to molecular-scale water (or melt) – rock interactions based on field surveys, remote sensing techniques, geochemical analysis, high-temperature and high-pressure experiments, and environmental simulations using space chambers. We also challenge practical research that contributes to the preservation of the global environment and future human migration to the moon and the extraterrestrial planet.

We study geological processes involving water in the planetary surface environments through fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and characterization of microscopic properties using probe microscopes.

	Assoc. Prof. MORIGUTI Takuya E-mail: moriguti [at] misasa.okayama-u.ac.jp Earth and Planetary Material Sciences, Mineral physics, Magmalogy Directory of Researchers　　　Link to homepage

I am interested in the chemical evolution and geodynamics of the Earth and planets through elucidation of the formation of the Earth and planets and the material recycling at their interior through their history based on high-pressure and high-temperature experiments.

	Assoc. Prof. IZAWA MATTHEW RICHAR E-mail: matthew_izawa [at] okayama-u.ac.jp Astrobiology, Meteorites, Mars, Asteroids, Remote sensing, Spectroscopy Directory of Researchers　　　Link to group homepage

Study of carbonaceous chondrites and their parent bodies using sample analysis (e.g., by XRD, EPMA, Raman spectroscopy, reflectance spectroscopy) along with spacecraft and telescopic observations, including from the OSIRIS-REx mission; Mars exploration using mineralogical and spectroscopic methods to investigate martian meteorites and Mars analogue materials; and investigation of possible ancient microbial trace fossils in basaltic rocks.

A photo of a Fe, Al-bearing MgSiO3 bridgmanite single crystal synthesized at 25 GPa and 2000 K.

An analogous magma – H2O fluid system experimentally reproduced at 700MPa, 530 °C in a diamond anvil cell.