The Influence of Water on the Strength of Olivine Dislocation Slip Systems

Abstract

To measure the influence of water fugacity on the relative strengths of olivine dislocation slip systems, we carried out a series of deformation experiments on olivine single crystals under either anhydrous or hydrous conditions. The crystals were oriented to activate either the (010)[100], (001)[100], or (100)[001] dislocation slip systems using a direct shear geometry, which allows for isolation of single slip systems, in contrast to the multiple systems activated in experiments carried out in compression. Post‐deformation electron backscatter diffraction analyses reveal orientation gradients consistent with deformation occurring via the motion of dislocations on the activated slip systems.