The physical and chemical processes in the deep interiors are closely associated with geologic processes on the surfaces and are keys to understanding the formation and evolution of the Earth and planets.

Recent advances in seismic imaging techniques have enabled us to study 3D structures in the Earth's interior. Computational simulations have improved our understanding for the origin of internal processes. Mineral physics has played a critical role in that it provides interpretations for the seismic observations and physical basis for the computational simulations. By virtue of the developments in laser heating and laser spectroscopy, and the third generation synchrotron sources, we now have an ability to study planetary constituents directly at pressure and temperature conditions of Earth's deep interior.

Contact

Sang-Heon Dan Shim (SANGSHIM at MIT dot EDU)

Lab