Melting relationships in the systems CaO-CO_2 and MgO-CO_2 to 33 kilobars

Abstract

The melting temperatures of calcite and magnesite in the presence of excess CO_2 have been measured using Ag_2C_2O_4 in sealed capsules m a piston-cylinder apparatus. At 27 kbar, 11.5 wt % CO_2 dissolves in molten CaCO_2, depressing the freezing temperature from 1610 to 1505°C; and 6.5 wt % CO_2 dissolves in molten MgCO_3, depressing the freezing temperature from 1590 to 1510°C. The eutectic between calcite and lime was located at 1385°C at 27 kbar. These and other new results, combined with previously published data, permit completion of PT diagrams for the systems CaO-CO_2 and MgO-CO_2 from 1 bar to 35 kbar. The dissociation curve for each carbonate terminates at an invariant point where melting begins, at 40 bars and 1230°C for CaO-CO_2 and 23 kbar and 1550°C for MgO-CO_2 The differences between the two systems are explained by the different solubilities of CO_2 in the invariant liquids consequent upon the large pressure difference between the locations of these two invariant points. The results show that the temperatures for the beginning of melting of carbonates in the asthenosphere are lowered by about 100°C in the presence of CO_2.