Obtaining the Equation of State for Multiphase Iron under Earth's Core
Conditions using Bayesian Statistics
Abstract
Iron, a principal element of Earth’s core, is vital for understanding
the thermodynamic properties of this region. The accuracy of iron’s
equation of state (EOS) is crucial, yet experimental uncertainties
significantly impact the EOS parameters. By employing Bayesian
statistics and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations, we have
quantified these uncertainties. Our approach introduced a
straightforward yet effective method to calculate the probability of
phase boundary data. The resulting EOS reliably reproduces a variety of
experimental datasets, including phase boundary experiments, static
pressure measurements under various conditions, shock wave data, and
sound velocity under different states. Using 100 sets of posterior
parameter samples, our predictions indicate that the density deficit in
Earth’s outer core ranges approximately from 8.7% to 9.7%.
Additionally, the inferred geodynamo power output from latent heat
release during the cooling and solidification process of Earth’s inner
core is estimated to be between 0.458 and 6.002 terawatts.