Lars Stixrude, Univ. of Michigan

“Physics of Iron in the Earth's Interior”

Abstract: Iron is the most abundant element in the earth and is important in the generation and recording of the earth's magnetic field, and for its effect on the thermochemical and physical properties of minerals. We survey the role of iron from the surface to the center of our planet with emphasis on the electronic and magnetic properties of minerals, the influence of iron on phase stability, the prospects for inferring the iron content of the deep earth from limited observations, and the structure of the inner core and its geodynamical significance.