Elastic softening of peridotite due to the presence of melt phases at high pressure

Here we report an observation of softening of Young's modulus of a sample of KLB-1 peridotite as a metallic Ni melt intruded into it at 2.5 GPa and about 1500 °C. A uniaxial oscillation of stress was applied to the sample with frequency of 0.01–0.02 Hz and an amplitude up to 500 MPa. The Young's modulus is measured as the amplitude ratio between the sample and a reference material, while the attenuation is determined by the phase angle delays. The Ni intrusion was captured by in situ X-ray radiography. A planar intrusion occurred gradually, but advanced only during the extension; eventually, the Ni melt dissected the sample on a plane normal to the extension axis. Accompanied softening of Young's modulus was observed after the Ni intrusion was completed. This study suggests that percolation of a liquid metallic phase is possible within a partially melted mantle rock in the presence of a differential stress field.