| The deformation behaviour of rocks (i.e. fracture, solid state flow and compaction behaviour) plays a major role in controlling a wide range of geodynamic processes, ranging from flow in the mantle and motion on major faults to salt tectonics and sediment diagenesis/compaction. However, the deformation behaviour of rocks is strongly affected by chemical interaction with intergranular fluids. Aim: This research aims to quantify the effects of fluids fluids and partial melts on rock deformation behaviour and to arrive at mechanism-based descriptions of mechanical behaviour suitable for extrapolation to the crust and upper mantle conditions. Methods: A materials science approach is adopted employing experimental deformation at high pressures and temperatures (HPT), electrical conductivity measurements, microstructural analysis, microphysical modelling and FTIR micro- analysis. Present topics: Effect of fluids on deformation mechanisms and rheology of upper mantle rocks, of fault/shear zone rocks, of partially molten rock systems and of evaporites; diagenesis and compaction of sedimentary, reservoir and fault rocks; direct measurement of the transport properties and thickness of fluid- filled grain bounderies. |
