T. Kubo et al., Formation of metastable assemblages and mechanisms of the grain-size reduction in the postspinel transformation of Mg2SiO4, GEOPHYS R L, 27(6), 2000, pp. 807-810
An in situ X-ray observation of the postspinel transformation kinetics was
made using intense synchrotron radiation. We confirmed that Mg2SiO4 spinel
transforms into fine. lamellae of SiO2 stishovite and periclase, and/or MgS
iO3 ilmenite and periclase as an intermediate step in the postspinel transf
ormation. These metastable assemblages eventually disappear and form the st
able assemblages of MgSiO3 perovskite and periclase. Initial grain size jus
t after the postspinel; transformation drastically changes with overpressur
e. Viscosity of the subducting slab into the lower mantle, which is thought
to be deformed by grain-size-sensitive creep, would depend on overpressure
needed for the postspinel transformation at geological time scale.