High-pressure silica mineral in the deep Earth found to be anhydrous

Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Jun 27, 2024

In Earth's subduction zones, water is transported into the deep mantle by nominally anhydrous minerals (NAMs) and water-bearing minerals in oceanic plates that react with seawater. Understanding the stability field and water content of these minerals is critical for comprehending water cycle processes in Earth's deep interior. SiO2 minerals are present in the crust that makes up Earth's surface.