Diamonds - Time Capsules of Ancient Mantle Volatiles and the Key to Dynamic Earth Evolution

Abstract

This project aims to reconcile the radically different views on the structure of the Earth’s mantle, based on geochemical (mostly noble gas) and geophysical data. This objective will be addressed through innovative noble gas analyses of well-characterised diamond samples, including gem-stones used for previous dating studies. In combination with carbon isotopic results, this information will be used to constrain the structure and temporal/spatial evolution of the Earth’s mantle. A related outcome will be an improved understanding of the mantle source regions of diamonds and diamond formation.

Related publications (2)

Noble gas geochemistry of fluid inclusions in South African diamonds: implications for the origin of diamond-forming fluids

S Timmerman, M Honda, D Phillips, AL Jaques, JW Harris

2018-12-01

Fibrous diamond growth zones often contain abundant high-density fluid (HDF) inclusions and these provide the most direct informat..

Provenance history of detrital diamond deposits, West Coast of Namaqualand, South Africa

D Phillips, JW Harris, MCJ de Wit, EL Matchan

2018-12-01

The West Coast of Namaqualand in South Africa hosts extensive detrital diamond deposits, but considerable debate exists as to the ..