Deep Earth’s volatile cycle: processes, fluxes and metasomatism

Research Topic A

Abstract of the proposed UNIPhD research project

Super-deep diamonds (SDDs) form at extreme depths (300-1000 km), making up just 1% of all mined diamonds. Breyite (CaSiO₃-walstromite) is a prevalent mineral inclusion in SDDs, containing Sr, Nd and Pb suitable for dating. By employing single-inclusion elastic barometry, we can estimate the diamond–breyite pair formation depth. C and N isotopes in SDDs provide clues about their volatile species’ source. This research sheds light on deep Earth’s element recycling and the timing of key geological events like subduction and deep mantle convection.

Short bio

Eduardo Novais Rodrigues is a geologist with a Bachelor’s degree in Geology (2018) and a Master’s degree in Geochemistry (2020) from the University of Brasilia (UnB). His research journey began during his undergraduate studies, where he focused on shock-metamorphism in zircons and radiometric dating of Precambrian terrains. His past research focused on mantle geochemistry, mineral chemistry, and isotope geochemistry. Eduardo is interested in investigating the geochemical evolution of planet Earth, mantle metasomatism and heterogeneities, and tectonics.