Emily Sarafian, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (IMAGE)
Caption
In her laboratory experiments, Sarafian used a piston-cylinder apparatus -- the red machine behind her -- to simulate the high pressures and temperature of the Earth's mantle. The heavy stainless steel plates visible on the table are stacked on the apparatus, with the tiny synthetic mantle sample inside a 'pressure vessel' underneath them. Once the machine is turned on, pistons apply massive pressure from above and below the sample, which is simultaneously heated with electrical current.
Credit
Photo by Veronique LaCapra, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
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