Elastic and electrical properties of serpentinite dehydration at high temperature and high pressure

Abstract

P-wave velocities (VP) and electrical conductivities (σ) in serpentinite, collected from Ailaoshan orogenic belt, Yunnan province, China, were measured at 2.0–3.5 GPa and high temperature with the pulse transmission–reflection combined method and impedance spectroscopy by the means of a multi-anvil pressure apparatus, the YJ-3000 press. VP decreased and σ increased markedly at temperature higher than about 560°C. It is argued that the onset of the dehydration of serpentine is the main cause for VP decreasing and σ increasing. Combining the present experimental data with the results of previous experiments, we were led to speculate that the formation of the low-velocity layer between the subducted slab and mantle wedge is closely related to the dehydration of serpentine.