Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/A/S/2003/00368

Kinetic studies of growth and diffusion in diamonds.

Principal Investigator:: Professor B Harte, University of Edinburgh, Sch of Geosciences
Grant held at:: University of Edinburgh, Sch of Geosciences

ENRIs:: Natural Resource Management
Science Topics:: Earth Resources; Properties Of Earth Materials; Mantle & Core Processes

Abstract:: Diamonds are formed at depths greater than l40kms in the Earth and often stay at high temperature in the Earth's mantle for 1000 to 3000 million years before being erupted in volcanic rocks called kimberlites. The ratio of carbon isotopes in diamonds together with the distribution and abundance of nitrogen atoms and isotopes provide evidence on two sets of issues: (1) whether subducted material from the Earth's crust provides a source for diamond carbon and nitrogen in the mantle: (2) the conditions of growth of diamonds in the mantle and their history after growth. Many diamonds show a complex crystal growth history, but with the advent of new (ion microprobe) techniques it has become possible to make carbon and nitrogen measurements on the Individual phases of growth. However, we lack information on the way crystal growth processes affect composition, and on the extent to which diffusion causes redistribution of carbon and nitrogen after crystal growth. This project aims to make measurements on synthetic diamonds formed under specific experimental conditions in order to quantify both these affects. It will improve our understanding of the material properties of diamonds and our knowledge of processes in the inaccessible part of the Earth.

Authorised funds only

This grant award has a total value of £83,192

Total - Staff	Total - T&S	Total - Other Costs	Total - Equipment	Total - Indirect Costs
£31,760	£5,117	£13,591	£18,115	£14,610

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